Theo Hernández swaps Milan for Al-Hilal in R$159 million blockbuster move

Al-Hilal stuns with Theo Hernández signing for 25 million euros in busy window. The Saudi club announced the signing of French left-back Theo Hernández, formerly of Milan, for 25 million euros (R$159 million) on July 7, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The transfer, confirmed by journalist Fabrizio Romano, marks another bold move by Al-Hilal in the transfer window, aiming to strengthen the squad after a loss to Fluminense in the Club World Cup. Hernández, 27, will compete with Brazilian Renan Lodi for a starting spot and bring European experience to the team led by Simone Inzaghi, his former rival in Italian football. The deal reflects the club’s ambition to establish itself as a global powerhouse, backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund.

Hernández’s arrival comes at a strategic moment. After a season of heavy investments, Al-Hilal seeks to bolster its defense for domestic and international competitions. The Frenchman, known for his versatility and attacking flair, spent six years at Milan, amassing impressive stats: 262 appearances, 34 goals, and 45 assists.

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• Transfer details: The deal was finalized for 25 million euros, lower than the initially speculated 30 million.
• Squad competition: Hernández will challenge Renan Lodi, the established left-back.
• Al-Hilal’s context: The club has spent over R$3 billion on signings in the past two years.

The transfer announcement sparked widespread reactions in Saudi and European football, with fans and analysts debating the impact of the Frenchman’s arrival in Al-Hilal’s star-studded squad.

🚨🔵 BREAKING: Theo Hernández to Al Hilal, here we go! Agreement now being sealed after verbal pact made two weeks ago.

AC Milan will receive €25m transfer fee as Theo will sign his contract in the upcoming days.

New left back for Simone Inzaghi. 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/5vRxgQtNnG

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 7, 2025

Transfer window moves

Hernández’s signing is not an isolated move. Al-Hilal, controlled by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund since 2023, has pursued an aggressive market strategy. Over the past two years, the club spent roughly 479 million euros on signings, including stars like Neymar, Malcom, and Marcos Leonardo. Hernández’s arrival reinforces the goal of dominating the Saudi Pro League and chasing international titles.

The deal also highlights the club’s financial muscle. Each player in the squad received about R$2.9 million as a bonus for defeating Manchester City in the Club World Cup’s round of 16, according to Asharq Al-Awsat. This economic power enables Al-Hilal to attract top talents like Hernández, who chose to leave Europe amid criticism of his Milan performances.

Recent challenges, such as a 2-1 loss to Fluminense in the Club World Cup, exposed defensive vulnerabilities, likely accelerating the pursuit of a high-caliber left-back like Hernández.

Theo Hernández’s journey

Theo Hernández built a solid career in Europe before joining Al-Hilal. Developed in Atlético Madrid’s youth academy, the Frenchman played for Alavés and Real Madrid before shining at Milan, where he arrived in 2019 for 22.8 million euros. At the Italian club, he won the 2021/22 Serie A title and the 2023 Italian Super Cup, establishing himself as one of the world’s top left-backs.

However, the 2024/25 season brought challenges. Hernández faced inconsistency at Milan, culminating in a red card during a Champions League playoff elimination against Feyenoord. Out of the plans of new manager Massimiliano Allegri, he saw Al-Hilal’s offer as a chance for a fresh start.

• Milan stats: 262 appearances, 34 goals, 45 assists.
• Versatility: Primarily a left-back, he has also played as a center-back and midfielder.
• Lucrative salary: Estimates suggest Hernández will earn around 20 million euros per season.

Battle with Renan Lodi

Hernández’s arrival promises to intensify competition at left-back. Renan Lodi, a 27-year-old Brazilian, has been a mainstay at Al-Hilal since joining in 2023 for 23 million euros. Lodi starred in the Club World Cup victory over Manchester City and is a key player in Simone Inzaghi’s system.

Hernández, with his attacking style and physical presence, could challenge Lodi’s starting role. Analysts suggest Inzaghi, known for tactical flexibility, may rotate the two or deploy them in varying setups depending on the opponent.

The rivalry carries a symbolic weight. Hernández faced Inzaghi multiple times in the Milan vs. Inter derby when the coach led Inter Milan. Now, under Inzaghi’s guidance, the Frenchman has a chance to prove himself in a new setting.

Al-Hilal’s market strategy

Al-Hilal has stood out for its ambitious transfer approach. Since coming under the Saudi sovereign fund’s control, the club has invested in global stars, making the Saudi Pro League an attractive destination.

Beyond Hernández, Al-Hilal signed players like João Cancelo (25 million euros) and Marcos Leonardo (40 million euros) in the 2024/25 season. These investments dwarf those of Brazilian clubs like Fluminense, which spent R$244 million in the same period—12 times less than the Saudis.

• Key recent signings:
• Neymar (90 million euros, 2023).
• Malcom (60 million euros, 2023).
• Rúben Neves (55 million euros, 2023).
• Marcos Leonardo (40 million euros, 2024).

This financial strategy underscores the goal of turning Al-Hilal into a global powerhouse capable of rivaling top European clubs. Hernández’s signing is another step toward that vision.

Transfer reactions

Hernández’s transfer sparked diverse reactions. In Saudi Arabia, Al-Hilal fans celebrated the addition of another European star, while in Milan, the Frenchman’s departure divided supporters. Some Italian fans mourned the loss of a talented player, while others viewed the sale as prudent given his recent struggles.

Globally, the move reinforces the growing influence of Saudi football. Clubs like Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ahli have attracted stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who is reportedly in talks with Al-Ahli. This trend elevates the Saudi Pro League’s profile but also fuels debates about financial impacts on global football.

Simone Inzaghi’s role

Simone Inzaghi, Al-Hilal’s coach since 2025, played a pivotal role in Hernández’s signing. Earning 26 million euros annually, the Italian was hired to replace Jorge Jesus and address defensive issues.

Inzaghi’s experience managing star-studded squads, like at Inter Milan where he reached a European final, equips him to integrate Hernández. The Frenchman’s arrival offers tactical versatility, especially in high-stakes matches like the AFC Champions League.

Saudi football landscape

Saudi football is undergoing a transformation. Since the acquisition of clubs like Al-Hilal by the sovereign fund, the Saudi Pro League has seen billions in investments. The country’s top four clubs—Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad—have won 41 of 50 national titles, reflecting their dominance.

Hernández’s signing aligns with a broader project to dominate Asian football and compete globally, such as in the Club World Cup. Despite the loss to Fluminense, Al-Hilal’s win over Manchester City signals its potential.

Saudi investment figures

Al-Hilal’s spending is staggering. Over the past two years, the club invested over R$3 billion in signings, surpassing the combined spending of Brazil’s top clubs. This includes high salaries and bonuses, like the R$2.9 million per player for the Manchester City win.

• Spending comparison:
• Botafogo, Palmeiras, and Flamengo (R$1.9 billion combined).
• Fluminense (R$244 million).
• Al-Hilal (R$3.08 billion).

These figures highlight the financial gap and the ambition of the Saudi project to position Al-Hilal as a global benchmark.

Expectations for Hernández at Al-Hilal

Hernández’s move to Al-Hilal marks a new chapter. At 27, he has the chance to anchor the defense of one of the world’s richest clubs while adapting to a new culture and playing style.

Fans expect him to replicate the intensity shown at Milan, particularly in crucial matches. His integration into a squad with Brazilians like Renan Lodi, Malcom, and Marcos Leonardo, and his dynamic with Inzaghi, a former rival, will be closely watched.