Bruno Fernandes Contract Negotiations: Romano Clarifies Situation
Fabrizio Romano has moved to cool talk of a contract stand-off between Manchester United and captain Bruno Fernandes, insisting the situation is being misrepresented.
Reports this week claimed Fernandes had rejected a new deal at Old Trafford and could even walk away for nothing when his current agreement expires. Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri suggested United’s offer was just €500,000 more per year, not enough to convince the Portugal international, and that he could leave as a free agent next summer.
That version of events has sparked understandable alarm among United supporters. Romano, though, says the reality is far less dramatic.
Romano: United “absolutely protected” on Bruno deal
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said he needed to “clarify two things” around the 29-year-old’s future.
“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,” he explained.
That clause means United can unilaterally push the deal to 2028, giving them firm control over the player who has become the heartbeat of their side. Any suggestion of him walking away for nothing in 2027 ignores that safety net.
Romano also underlined the strength of the bond between club and captain.
“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,” he said.
“Not rejecting – negotiating”
The second point, Romano stressed, is about how the talks are being framed.
“Second, it’s not about rejecting a contract. It’s about negotiating. That’s different. To say no and to say, ‘I want this, you want that, let’s try to find a solution’ are two different things.
“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 message is clear: there is no signed deal yet, but there is also no breakdown. Both sides are talking, both sides want an outcome.
“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.
“Michael Carrick believes Bruno is a very important player. So there is no reason to create panic or drama around this. There is a negotiation, there is a conversation. Let’s see how it goes.”
Salary, contract length and a €65m clause on the table
Behind the scenes, the discussions are complex. Fernandes, who turned down a lucrative move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal last summer after United were tempted by a huge fee, is coming off another hugely productive campaign: nine goals and 21 assists in 35 Premier League appearances.
His form has inevitably drawn attention. Galatasaray are reported to be ready to double his wages and offer around €50m to United, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the talks.
Romano outlined the main pressure points in the negotiations.
“It’s about the salary. Don’t forget that Rashford returned to Manchester United, and so Rashford’s salary is obviously a point.
“Then there is the length of the contract. That’s an important point. And then there is the release clause, because Bruno has a release clause in his current contract at United of around €65m.
“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.”
United must decide how far they go to reward a player who is no longer at the start of his career, but still central to everything they do.
“That’s not an easy negotiation that takes five seconds to sign a new contract. 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.
“For sure, it’s an important moment. That’s a negotiation. There is no need for panic or drama.”
United know exactly what Fernandes means to them. He knows exactly what this next deal means for the rest of his career. The talks will decide whether those two realities meet in the middle – or open the door to one of the biggest decisions of his time at Old Trafford.
