Fernandes and Sancho to stay at Manchester United – but how much will that hamper the club’s summer overhaul?

Manchester United’s summer overhaul is likely to be less severe than first thought with both Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho set to remain at Old Trafford.

Fernandes is reported to have rejected a big-money move to Saudi Arabia while Chelsea have opted not to exercise their right to sign winger Sancho on a permanent basis.

Sancho spent last season on loan at Stamford Bridge but didn’t do enough to convince Enzo Maresca he was worth keeping on with the Conference League winners even willing to pay a £5million penalty clause to send him back to United.

BREAKING: Jadon Sancho leaves Chelsea as there’s no agreement on personal terms.

Chelsea will pay £5m penalty clause and Jadon returns to Manchester United, as @TheAthleticFC reports.

Story over between Sancho and #CFC, now ready for new move in the summer window. pic.twitter.com/hlIbghL8az

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 3, 2025

The 25-year-old is believed to be one of United’s highest earners and the club will still be eager to offload him as quickly as possible.

Fernandes rejects Al-Hilal

Keeping Fernandes is undoubtedly better news for United fans, even if it may have a knock-on effect.

The Portugal midfielder is the United captain and undisputed best player after a brilliant season which saw him contribute eight goals and eight assists in 36 league games.

Fernandes had been targeted by Saudi side Al-Hilal and his agent Miguel Pinho was spotted in Riyadh last week holding talks with the club over a deal that was reported to be worth up to £200m over three years.

Al-Hilal were also thought to be readying a £100m bid to United if they had got the green light from the Fernandes camp.

But transfer expert Fabrizio Romano this morning posted on social media that Fernandes had rejected the Saudi offer as he still wants to play at the ‘top level’ in Europe.

EXCLUSIVE: Bruno Fernandes has REJECTED Al Hilal proposal.

Despite crazy contract proposal from the Saudi Pro League club, Bruno Fernandes wants to continue playing football in Europe.

Man United captain wants to play at top level in Europe. Decision made. pic.twitter.com/7liKWOHETs

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 3, 2025

United’s failure to win the Europa League means they won’t play in European competition next season, meaning Fernandes has left the door ajar for a move.

Could transfer plans be affected?

However, if he and Sancho start the season at Old Trafford, it means two high earners will stay, potentially denying boss Ruben Amorim wiggle room to make the multiple moves required to rebuild a squad that limped to a 15th-placed finish last season.

They have already agreed a deal to sign Wolves forward Matheus Cunha while Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo is thought to be eager to discuss a move to United.

Whether the latter deal will now happen is debatable given United’s precarious financial position.

No European football has left a £100m black hole that means the club may have issues with Profit and Sustainability rules.

Reports have claimed every single United player is for sale at the right price while the likes of Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof will leave when their contracts expire at the end of June.