Aleksandar Mitrović Transfers from Al Hilal to Al-Rayyan in Surprise Mid-Season Move

Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrović has completed a surprising transfer from Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal to Qatari club Al-Rayyan, marking a significant mid-season shift in Gulf football. The move, confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, involves a permanent transfer following the mutual termination of Mitrović’s contract with Al Hilal. The 30-year-old is set to embark on a new chapter in Qatar, reportedly earning a lucrative $10 million annually.

Mitrović’s departure from Al Hilal comes after a stellar two-year stint, where he scored 57 goals in 79 appearances, though his 2023-24 season was marred by injuries, limiting him to 22 matches. The arrival of Darwin Núñez at Al Hilal likely accelerated the decision, with the Saudi club opting to refresh their attacking options. Al-Rayyan, under manager Artur Jorge, sees Mitrović as a key addition to bolster their Qatar Stars League campaign, leveraging their eight league titles and the iconic Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.

This transfer underscores Qatar’s growing football ambitions, capitalizing on flexible registration rules to outmaneuver regional rivals. Mitrović’s experience and goal-scoring prowess are expected to elevate Al-Rayyan’s competitiveness in domestic and continental competitions.