Theo Hernández Nears Lucrative Move to Al Hilal from AC Milan

June 23, 2025 – AC Milan’s star defender Theo Hernández is on the brink of a high-profile transfer to Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal, with negotiations reaching an advanced stage. Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported late Sunday that Al Hilal is confident of securing Hernández’s approval following positive late-night discussions, with the club aiming to finalize the deal within the next 24 to 48 hours.

The proposed transfer, valued at approximately €30 million, reflects the Saudi Pro League’s aggressive push to attract top European talent, bolstered by significant investments under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan. Al Hilal, boasting a record 19 league titles and a strong showing in the recent AFC Champions League, sees Hernández as a key addition to their squad, potentially reuniting him with former Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi.

Hernández, who has struggled with Milan’s disappointing eighth-place finish in Serie A this season, appears open to the move, marking a departure from earlier hesitations. The transfer underscores a growing trend of European stars heading to Saudi Arabia, where a 2023 FIFA study highlighted a 40% surge in cross-continental transfers, driven by lucrative contracts that often outweigh competitive prestige.

While AC Milan and Al Hilal continue to iron out final details, the deal signals the Pro League’s rising influence, with player wages reportedly up 27% since 2022, according to Deloitte’s Football Money League. This move could reshape Hernández’s career and further elevate Saudi football’s global standing.