Aleksandar Mitrovic, the Serbian striker with 69 goals in 79 games for Al-Hilal, was released by the Saudi club and signed with Al-Rayyan in Qatar, as announced on September 4, 2025, in Riyadh. The move follows a contract termination with Al-Hilal, which will pay the player 25 million euros (R$158 million) as compensation. The decision was driven by the arrival of Darwin Núñez, exceeding the foreign player limit in the Saudi squad. Mitrovic now joins the team led by Artur Jorge, former Botafogo coach, seeking new challenges in the Qatari league. The transfer, confirmed by journalist Fabrizio Romano, reflects Al-Hilal’s strategy to adjust its roster, while São Paulo, which pursued Marcos Leonardo, failed to reach an agreement.
The transfer market move shook Middle Eastern football. Mitrovic’s departure, one of Al-Hilal’s key players in the last two seasons, marks the end of a victorious cycle. The player, who joined the club in 2023 from Fulham, won four titles, including the Saudi Pro League and the King’s Cup.
- Impressive numbers: Mitrovic scored 69 goals and provided 14 assists in 79 games.
- Million-dollar termination: Al-Hilal will pay R$158 million to end the contract.
- New destination: Al-Rayyan, under Artur Jorge, bolsters its attack with the Serbian.
The transfer to Qatar represents a new phase in the 30-year-old player’s career, aiming to maintain his scoring prowess in a competitive league.
Transfer details
The deal between Al-Hilal and Mitrovic was finalized through mutual agreement, with the Saudi club releasing the player to Al-Rayyan at no cost. The termination, according to Qatari media, was driven by the need to comply with the Saudi Pro League’s limit of 10 foreign players over 21. Darwin Núñez’s arrival made keeping Mitrovic or Marcos Leonardo unfeasible, with the Serbian chosen to leave the squad.
Al-Rayyan, coached by Artur Jorge, saw the signing as a chance to strengthen its attack. Mitrovic signed a contract until 2028, with an estimated salary of $10 million per season. The Qatari team, which includes Brazilians like Róger Guedes and Gregore, bets on the Serbian’s scoring ability to boost its campaign in the local league.
The termination process was complex. Mitrovic, contracted until June 2026, demanded full payment for the final year, equivalent to 25 million euros. An Al-Hilal executive, whose identity was not disclosed, covered the amount, enabling the release.
- Long-term contract: Mitrovic signed with Al-Rayyan until 2028.
- High salary: The player will earn about $10 million annually.
- Reinforced squad: Al-Rayyan integrates Mitrovic with players like Róger Guedes and Wesley.
- Strategic decision: Al-Hilal adjusts its roster to meet foreign player rules.
🚨🇶🇦 Aleksandar Mitrović move to Al Rayyan has been completed, all documents are signed.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 4, 2025
The striker leaves Al Hilal on mutual agreement.
Deal done by Pini Zahavi’s Gol International. pic.twitter.com/q7N5dEu6dx
Impact on Al-Hilal
Mitrovic’s departure is a significant shift for Al-Hilal, the reigning Saudi champion. The club, led by Simone Inzaghi, prioritized signing Darwin Núñez to lead the attack, limiting foreign player options. Choosing to release Mitrovic instead of Marcos Leonardo reflects the strategy to keep the young Brazilian for continental competitions, like the AFC Champions League, while Núñez takes the lead in the domestic league.
Mitrovic leaves a remarkable legacy. In two seasons, he became the third-highest-scoring foreign player in the club’s history with 86 goals, behind only Bafetimbi Gomis (116) and Carlos Eduardo (81). His stats include three hat-tricks and 10 braces, underscoring his role in the offensive scheme.
Al-Hilal now focuses on integrating Núñez, a major investment. The Saudi transfer window, open until September 10, may bring further moves, but Mitrovic’s exit closes a significant chapter in the club’s recent history.
New chapter at Al-Rayyan
In Qatar, Mitrovic joins an ambitious Al-Rayyan project aiming to solidify its position in the Qatar Stars League. Artur Jorge, the Portuguese coach with a successful stint at Botafogo, sees the Serbian as a key addition to elevate the team. The squad has also signed players like Brazilian Wesley, ex-Internacional, and Portuguese players André Amaro and Tiago Silva, signaling a multicultural roster.
The Qatari league, though less prominent than the Saudi league, is competitive. Mitrovic, with experience in the Premier League and Saudi Pro League, is expected to lead the attack alongside Róger Guedes, who may leave in 2026, according to rumors. His arrival could also spark negotiations involving Guedes, with Grêmio showing interest.
- Diverse squad: Al-Rayyan blends players from various nationalities.
- Experienced coach: Artur Jorge brings tactical expertise to the team.
- Local competitiveness: The Qatar Stars League gains a prolific scorer.
Reactions and expectations
Mitrovic’s transfer sparked reactions in the Middle East and Europe. Al-Hilal fans mourned the loss of the striker but acknowledged the need for roster adjustments. In Qatar, Al-Rayyan supporters celebrated the arrival of a player with a proven goal-scoring record and titles. Saudi media highlighted the million-dollar termination as a sign of the region’s financial power, while Qatari outlets emphasized the league’s gain of a top player.
Analysts suggest Mitrovic can quickly adapt to Al-Rayyan’s style, which emphasizes possession and quick attacks. His experience in high-level competitions will be vital for the club, aiming for domestic titles and a strong AFC Champions League campaign.
Mitrovic’s background
Before joining Al-Hilal in 2023, Mitrovic built a solid career in Europe. Emerging from Partizan in Serbia, he played for Anderlecht, Newcastle, and Fulham, where he scored 111 goals in 206 games. His transfer to Saudi Arabia, for over 50 million euros, was part of the region’s heavy football investments.
Despite injuries in the 2024/25 season, which sidelined him for parts of competitions, including the Club World Cup, Mitrovic maintained impressive numbers. His departure from Al-Hilal, though unexpected, reflects the volatile transfer market in the region, where big signings often reshape squads.
- European career: Mitrovic shone at Fulham with 111 goals.
- Saudi stint: He won four titles with Al-Hilal.
- Recent injuries: Affected his final season in Riyadh.
- New challenge: Qatar offers a chance for a comeback.
Market movements
Mitrovic’s transfer is part of a dynamic Middle Eastern football scene. Al-Hilal, with Núñez’s arrival, aims to maintain its Saudi Pro League dominance, while Al-Rayyan invests in big names to compete in Qatar. Marcos Leonardo’s potential move, after talks with São Paulo, remains uncertain, but releasing Mitrovic suggests the Brazilian may gain space in future competitions.
The Qatari market is also active. Besides Mitrovic, Al-Rayyan signed Wesley and others, while Grêmio monitors Róger Guedes. The transfer window, still open in some leagues, may bring more surprises, with Brazilian and European clubs eyeing opportunities.
