Theo Hernandez close to €18M Saudi move as Milan signals end of an era

Theo Hernandez looks set to become the latest high-profile European star to join the Saudi Pro League, with reports indicating the French left-back is close to accepting a staggering €18 million annual salary from Al-Hilal. The 26-year-old has become one of Milan’s most consistent performers in recent years, but financial and contractual disagreements have brought his time at the club to a critical juncture.

Milan had been engaged in renewal talks with Hernandez, whose contract is set to expire in June 2026. However, the full-back’s salary expectations were deemed far beyond the club’s budget, prompting the Rossoneri to reportedly encourage him to find a new destination. After weeks of speculation, Al-Hilal has emerged as the most serious contender—offering not only a lucrative wage but also a sizable transfer fee.

While reports differ on the exact amount, Milan is expected to receive between €30 million or €35 million for the sale—representing a solid return on their initial €22.8 million investment when they signed him from Real Madrid in 2019. Hernandez, who turns 28 in October, has been a vital figure in Milan’s recent campaigns. This season alone, he scored five goals and provided six assists across 49 appearances in all competitions, maintaining his reputation as one of the most dynamic left-backs in European football.