Theo Hernandez’s move to Al-Hilal is expected to be made official soon, after the Saudi side were knocked out of the Club World Cup.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the time is now: Al-Hilal and Milan have agreed to meet at the end of the Club World Cup to close the deal for Theo. Or rather, at the time of Al-Hilal’s elimination from the tournament, which came over the weekend.
The Saudi club preferred to postpone in order to close the season with the current squad, avoiding internal transfer problems. However, Simone Inzaghi’s team lost against Fluminense on Friday night and is expected back at the negotiating table shortly.
Al-Hilal decided to sign Theo Hernandez just after Inzaghi was chosen. He was a specific request from the new coach. Theo initially said no, then he saw the Milan-Atletico Madrid negotiations fall through and opened up to Saudi Arabia.
Al-Hilal offered him a contract worth €20m net per season and if it closes – because it is very likely that it will – they will pay him that amount. An agreement between the clubs remains to be found, despite the reports to the contract.
Milan would like €25m as a guaranteed amount, without the variable of bonuses, while the current offer is €20m plus €5m in add-ons. It is always better to be cautious but of course, the gap is minimal.
The Rossoneri are waiting for the final offer and, in the meantime, has granted Theo a few more days of vacation. He will not be at the gathering on Monday, the same fate as Bennacer, Adli and Vasquez. Players leaving, waiting to find a team for next season.
