Bruno Fernandes Contract Situation: Negotiations, Not Rejections

Fabrizio Romano has moved to cool talk of a contract crisis between Bruno Fernandes and Manchester United, insisting the club captain is negotiating – not walking away.

Rumours exploded after journalist Sacha Tavolieri claimed Fernandes had rejected a new deal that would have added just €500,000 per year to his salary, and that the midfielder could even leave on a free transfer next summer. The story landed at a sensitive time for United, with the club back in the Champions League and their skipper central to everything they do.

Romano, though, has pushed back hard on that narrative.

United ‘absolutely protected’ over Bruno deal

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the transfer insider said he wanted to “clarify two things” around the situation.

“First point, leaving on a free. Bruno is out of contract in 2027, but there is an option to extend the contract for one more season. So Manchester United are absolutely protected,” Romano explained.

That single detail changes the whole picture. This is not a player running his deal down with the clock ticking towards a Bosman exit. United hold an option, and that safety net means there is no immediate threat of Fernandes walking out for nothing.

Romano also underlined the strength of the bond between player and club. Fernandes, who admitted in December that it “hurt” him when United considered selling him to Al-Hilal last summer, has since underlined his importance on the pitch: nine goals and 21 assists in 35 Premier League games last season tell their own story. Inside Old Trafford, he is seen as far more than just a numbers man.

“The relationship between Bruno and Manchester United is still a very important relationship. Bruno is a United legend, a top player who will stay forever in terms of memory. To leave on bad terms is not Bruno Fernandes’ style,” Romano said.

‘Not rejecting – negotiating’

The second point was aimed directly at the idea that Fernandes has flatly turned down United’s offer.

“Second, it’s not about rejecting a contract. It’s about negotiating. That’s different,” Romano stressed. “To say no and to say, ‘I want this, you want that, let’s try to find a solution’ are two different things.”

Right now, there is no agreement. That much is clear. But Romano insists that talks are active and ongoing, not broken.

“For sure, Bruno Fernandes and United, while I’m recording this video, don’t have an agreement on the new contract. But Manchester United and Bruno Fernandes are negotiating, and the negotiations are ongoing.

The relationship is very good. Bruno is not a normal player. Bruno is the captain of Manchester United. Manchester United are in love with Bruno. Manchester United are finally back into Champions League football and Bruno will be a big part of the squad.

Inside the club, figures such as Michael Carrick are said to be fully convinced of Fernandes’ importance. That internal backing, combined with the contractual option, is why Romano is urging against “panic or drama”.

Salary, contract length and a €65m question

If the relationship is strong and United are protected, why the noise? Because the details matter – and this is likely to be one of the defining contracts of Fernandes’ career.

“It’s about the salary,” Romano said. Marcus Rashford’s return and his wage level form part of the backdrop as United weigh their internal pay structure. Then comes the length of the deal. At this stage of Fernandes’ career, every extra year carries weight for both sides.

On top of that sits a key clause.

Fernandes currently has a release clause of around €65m in his United contract. That figure, and the way it works, is under review.

“Now they have to understand whether to keep the clause, remove the clause, change the numbers, when to activate it, how many years it is valid for. There are so many topics to discuss,” Romano explained.

This is not a quick signature on a simple pay rise. It is a complex negotiation around salary, term and a clause that could shape any future move.

“Bruno is a fantastic player, but he’s no longer 20 years old. Every single contract now becomes important because it’s going to be one of the last two or three contracts of his career,” Romano added. “For sure, it’s an important moment. That’s a negotiation. There is no need for panic or drama.”

All the while, outside interest circles. Galatasaray have been credited with a willingness to double Fernandes’ wages and pay United €50m, a reminder that the market still values him highly. United, though, hold the cards for now – and their captain remains at the centre of their plans.

The tension, then, is not over whether Bruno Fernandes wants out, but over how United choose to price and protect the final prime years of the player who carries their armband.