Bruno Fernandes Snubs Saudi Move as Ivan Toney Defends Pro League Standards

‘He Obviously Hasn’t Seen It’ – England Star Sends Message to Bruno Fernandes After Al-Hilal Snub

As the summer transfer window heats up, a new layer of intrigue has emerged—not just from the money flying around, but from the conversation it’s sparked about where true footballing ambition lies.

At the heart of this latest debate is Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, who has reportedly turned down an eye-watering offer from Al-Hilal worth £700,000 a week. That’s right—£700,000. Per. Week. Add to that a potential £100 million transfer fee and you’re looking at one of the most lucrative deals in football history.

But Fernandes isn’t biting. He’s staying put. And that decision, bold as it may seem, hasn’t gone unnoticed—especially by someone who has made the leap to the Middle East.

Ivan Toney Weighs In: ‘He Hasn’t Seen the League’

Bruno Fernandes Manchester United 2024-25

Ivan Toney knows what it’s like to be on the receiving end of raised eyebrows when it comes to Saudi Arabia. The England striker swapped Brentford for Al-Ahli in 2024, a move that brought both criticism and curiosity. And now, watching Fernandes turn down a similar switch, he’s had his say.

“That’s his decision,” Toney told talkSPORT. “He maybe thinks it’s different to me. He obviously hasn’t seen the league.”

The statement sounds sharp, maybe even a touch dismissive, but dig deeper and you’ll hear something more nuanced. Toney isn’t slamming Fernandes; he’s challenging the broader perception that the Saudi Pro League is a footballing retirement home.

“The standard is high,” he continued. “I always say this—people judge it without seeing it. If people went there and watched some games, they’d soon realise. You would never knock it once you’ve been there. It is tough.”

It’s the kind of perspective shift that only comes from experience. Toney is living the Saudi football life—and he clearly believes it deserves more respect.

Bruno’s Response: Staying Where the Lights Shine Brightest

Bryan Mbeumo Man Utd

Fernandes, for his part, didn’t hide his reasoning. Speaking to the media, the Portuguese international made it clear: he still wants to test himself at the highest level.

“I want to maintain myself at the highest level, playing in the big competitions, and I feel capable of it,” he said.

For now, that means Old Trafford remains home. And despite United’s recent struggles, Fernandes is backing himself to continue influencing games on Europe’s biggest stages rather than cashing in on a megabucks move east.

To many fans, that attitude is commendable. Football, after all, isn’t just about the money—though £700,000 a week would test anyone’s resolve.

The Bigger Picture: Saudi’s Growing Pull

This isn’t the first time a big name has declined the Saudi Pro League. Nor will it be the last. But each decision—each ‘yes’ and each ‘no’—adds another dimension to the discussion about where football is going.

The Saudi Pro League has been hoovering up talent for two years now, attracting stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema. Now younger players are being courted too. And some, like Toney, are answering the call.

But for Fernandes, the pull of Champions League nights, Premier League duels, and the sheer scale of European football still holds more weight.

Toney on Mbeumo: ‘He’s a Top, Top Player’

Interestingly, Toney might not be the only familiar face connected to Fernandes this summer. The England striker also spoke about former Brentford team-mate Bryan Mbeumo, who is reportedly on United’s radar.

“He scores goals, he knows where to put the ball for other players. He’s got a similar penalty technique to me,” Toney said. “He is a top, top player and he deserves to play for top, top clubs.”

It’s a revealing endorsement from a player who shared the pitch with Mbeumo for years. If United are serious about bolstering their front line, they could do worse than listen to someone who’s already benefited from the Cameroonian forward’s creativity.

From Brentford to the Desert: Toney’s New Chapter

Toney’s move to Saudi Arabia may have surprised some, but he’s not regretting it. He’s already embedded himself in life at Al-Ahli and has even earned a call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for upcoming fixtures against Andorra and Senegal.

That’s an important detail. His international career hasn’t stalled with the move—something that will no doubt be watched closely by others considering similar transfers. If England’s coaching staff are still picking players in Saudi, that’s a game-changer for how the league is perceived globally.

What Comes Next?

For Fernandes, the mission remains clear: lead United to glory, remain in the mix at the elite level, and hold onto the dream of lifting European silverware. For Toney, it’s about proving that the Saudi Pro League is more than just a cash grab.

And for football fans? It’s about watching this fascinating tug-of-war unfold. The Saudi revolution isn’t slowing down. But Europe, despite its flaws, still holds the prestige card.

Whether it’s the right decision or not, Bruno Fernandes is standing firm. The question is—how long will others keep doing the same?