Foot/ Mercato: Theo Hernandez set for Saudi move after U-turn

AC Milan’s French left-back Theo Hernandez has agreed to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in a shock €30 million transfer, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. The 27-year-old, who initially rejected the Middle Eastern offer, was reportedly swayed by former Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi’s personal pitch.

Hernandez had been considering a return to Atletico Madrid before the lucrative Saudi proposal changed his trajectory.

The deal will see the defender earn approximately €20 million per season quadrupling his Milan wages.

This move continues Saudi Arabia’s aggressive recruitment of European stars, with Al-Hilal already boasting Neymar and Ruben Neves.

For Milan, the transfer provides funds to reinvest after losing their starting fullback, who contributed 5 goals and 6 assists last season.

Hernandez’s departure marks another high-profile exit from Serie A, following similar Saudi-bound transfers of Sergej Milinković-Savić and Franck Kessié last summer.

The French international is expected to undergo medical tests in Riyadh this week.