Al Ettifaq Targets AC Milan Stars with €200m Offer

Saudi Pro League club Al Ettifaq has made headlines with a staggering €200m bid to sign AC Milan’s dynamic duo, Theo Hernández and Rafael Leão, according to Fichajes. The mid-table side, currently eighth in the Saudi Pro League, aims to bolster its squad with the French left-back and Portuguese winger, highlighting the growing financial muscle of Saudi clubs in global football.  

Hernández, 27, has been a cornerstone for Milan since 2019, recently matching Paolo Maldini’s Serie A goal-scoring record for the club with 29 goals as of September 2024. Leão, 25, is valued for his flair and pace, though his €175m release clause could be negotiated down to €85m, per Calciomercato. Despite the lucrative offer, fans on X are skeptical, with many believing the players will stay in Europe to compete at the highest level. The Saudi Pro League, while offering high salaries—Cristiano Ronaldo earns €200m annually—often attracts players later in their careers. Al Ettifaq’s squad, valued at €40.7m with a modest 15,000-seat stadium, hopes this move will elevate its profile. However, the allure of Serie A and Milan’s ambitions may keep Hernández and Leão in Italy for now.