Manchester United will reject any offer for captain Bruno Fernandes before next month’s transfer deadline, despite interest from Galatasaray, Juventus and AC Milan.
Senior sources at Old Trafford have made it clear that Galatasaray would be wasting their time by pursuing a deal for the Portugal international. The Turkish club is understood to have been preparing a proposal that could have reached a final value of 50m euros (£42.7m).
BBC Sport was told last week that Galatasaray, along with Italian clubs Juventus and AC Milan, was considering whether to test Manchester United’s determination to retain their captain. However, United’s current position is that Fernandes is not for sale at any price.
Club sources say there have been no bids so far for the 31-year-old. They add that, regardless of the size of any offer received before the transfer deadline, the club intends to keep him.
The stance represents a change from last summer, when United told Fernandes he would decide whether to accept a substantial offer from Saudi Pro-League side Al-Hilal. Fernandes subsequently admitted he felt “hurt” by the club’s position at that time.
United are now determined to make their intentions clear. The club believes it is in a strong negotiating position, although Fernandes has only one year remaining on his current contract. That agreement also contains an option for a further season.
There has been no agreement over an extension so far, but Fernandes is known to prefer staying at Manchester United. A £57m release clause in his contract has also expired, removing that specific route for a potential transfer.
The midfielder’s importance to United was underlined by the reaction he received from supporters during last week’s pre-season meeting with Leeds in Dublin. His enthusiastic reception is understood to have reinforced the message that fans would react badly if they felt the club was not doing everything possible to retain their talisman.
Fernandes enjoyed a record-breaking Premier League campaign last season, providing 21 assists. He is also the favourite to be named PFA Player of the Year for 2025-26, with the award due to be decided in Manchester next week.
That combination of his contractual situation, his standing with supporters and his influence on the pitch means United are unwilling to entertain offers for him at this stage. Galatasaray’s proposed 50m euros package would therefore not be enough to change the club’s position, while Juventus and AC Milan would face the same response if they formalise their interest.
