The La Liga giants, renowned for their history of marquee signings, are said to view the 30-year-old Portuguese midfielder as the ideal successor to their aging star Luka Modric, who will turn 40 in September 2025 and is nearing the end of his illustrious tenure at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Sources indicate that Real Madrid scouts have been a regular presence at Manchester United matches throughout the 2024-25 season, closely monitoring Fernandes’ performances as they prepare to potentially reshape their midfield for the future.
Fernandes, who joined Manchester United from Sporting CP in January 2020 for an initial £47 million, has been a cornerstone of the Red Devils’ squad, amassing an impressive record of goals and assists.
This season alone, he has contributed 14 goals and 14 assists across all competitions, making him one of the few consistent performers in an otherwise lackluster campaign for United, who currently sit 13th in the Premier League table.
His vision, creativity, and leadership—epitomized by his captaincy, which he assumed 20 months ago—have made him a fan favorite at Old Trafford.
However, his frustration has been palpable at times, most recently boiling over during United’s 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on March 30, 2025, where he was visibly exasperated with the team’s lack of cohesion.
Real Madrid’s interest in Fernandes is driven by their need for a creative midfielder to replace Modric, whose contract expires in the summer of 2025. The Croatian legend, a Ballon d’Or winner in 2018, has been a linchpin in Madrid’s midfield for 13 seasons, helping them secure numerous titles, including six Champions League trophies.
However, with Modric’s advancing age and diminishing physical capacity, club president Florentino Perez is reportedly eager to secure a long-term heir. Fernandes, with his exceptional passing range and ability to unlock defenses, is seen as a natural fit to supply Madrid’s star-studded forward line of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo.
Former Manchester United assistant manager Rene Meulensteen fueled the speculation, telling Poker Firma, “Fernandes would fit like a glove at Real Madrid. With his passing range, their forward line would become even better.”
Despite the mounting rumors, Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has categorically dismissed any notion of Fernandes leaving. Speaking at a press conference ahead of United’s clash with Nottingham Forest, Amorim was unequivocal: “He’s not going anywhere, because I already told him.” Amorim emphasized Fernandes’ importance to his long-term vision, stating, “I need Bruno here. We want to get the Premier League back, and we want the best players to stay with us.”
The Portuguese manager also highlighted Fernandes’ commitment to the club, noting that his occasional frustration stems from a deep desire for success: “Sometimes the frustration you see—it’s because he wants it so bad. This is the kind of player we want.”
However, not everyone is convinced that Fernandes will stay. Reports suggest that Real Madrid’s £90 million offer could test United’s resolve, especially given the club’s financial constraints under Financial Fair Play regulations.
Some fans and pundits believe the money could be used to fund a broader squad rebuild under Amorim, who is in his first season at Old Trafford and faces the daunting task of reversing United’s fortunes.
On X, opinions are divided, with some users urging the club to reject any offer—“NO! FECKING NO!” one fan posted—while others see the potential financial benefits, noting that the funds could help United address other squad deficiencies.
Adding a layer of skepticism, Spanish journalist Paco Gonzalez, speaking on Cope’s Tiempo de Juego, questioned the likelihood of Madrid paying such a hefty sum for a 30-year-old. “For a 30-year-old guy, Madrid paying 90 million, knowing the calculations Florentino Perez has in his head—that signings have to be paid off and they have to be young—seems impossible to me,” Gonzalez argued. This raises doubts about whether Madrid’s interest will materialize into a concrete offer, or if the rumors are being amplified to unsettle United during a challenging season.
Fernandes himself has remained silent on the speculation, though his commitment to United has been reaffirmed in the past.
Last summer, after receiving an offer to leave, he signed a new contract until 2027, stating, “Everybody knows the passion I have for Manchester United.”
Yet, the allure of Real Madrid—a club with a storied history and a realistic shot at major trophies—might tempt even the most loyal players.
For now, Amorim’s stance is clear, but as the summer window approaches, this transfer saga promises to keep fans on edge. Will Fernandes stay and lead United’s revival, or will the Bernabeu’s siren call prove too strong to resist?
