Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has secured a new deal that will make him the highest-paid player at the club, surpassing even Casemiro’s £350,000 weekly wage. The new contract will keep Fernandes at Old Trafford until June 2027, with an option to extend for an additional year.

This move, reported by Fabrizio Romano, puts an end to ongoing speculation about the Portugal international’s future, who was previously on £220,000 per week. Fernandes had been linked with a potential departure following United’s underwhelming eighth-place finish in the Premier League last season, which saw them miss out on European competition.

Earlier this year, Fernandes had hinted at considering his future, suggesting he might explore other options after the Euros. He remarked in April: “A player always has to want to be here, but at the same time, you have to want him to stay. At the moment, I feel there’s that on both sides. So, if I have to think about not continuing in the Premier League, I will.”

Despite these hints, Fernandes has reaffirmed his dedication to United. Romano indicates that the new contract will see Fernandes earning at the “top MUFC level” and will be finalized before the transfer window closes.

At 29, Fernandes is central to Erik ten Hag’s plans, with many believing that the team should be constructed around him. Last season, Fernandes led the Premier League in chances created (114) and has scored 54 goals in 159 appearances since joining United in January 2020. Additionally, he has provided 41 assists, often compensating for the team’s struggles to find a reliable striker.

Fernandes initially joined Manchester United in a transfer valued at £47 million, which could rise to £68 million. He, along with Alejandro Garnacho, was one of United’s standout performers in the Community Shield against Manchester City, despite the team’s penalty shootout defeat. Fernandes played a crucial role in the match, assisting in the opening goal before City won 7-6 in the shootout.