Sergej Milinkovic-Savic of Lazio is the latest high-profile player to relocate to Saudi Arabia.
Over the last 18 months, the Serbian international has been linked with Newcastle United via agencies, though any interest is understood to be preliminary.
Milinkovic-Savic had established himself as one of the top players in Serie A, scoring 57 goals in 267 games, but he is leaving Lazio after eight years.
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, the 28-year-old, who had a year left on his Lazio deal, has completed his £34 million transition.
“Official and confirmed,” he tweeted. Sergej Milinkovic Savic joins Al Hilal on a permanent deal worth €40 million from Lazio! Hilal Al Hilal One of Serie A’s greatest players has left the league to join a Saudi club. He’ll be playing alongside Rben Neves and Kalidou Koulibaly.”
Since Newcastle United’s owners, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, acquired a 75% ownership in Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, Al Ahil, and Al Nassr, several high-profile transfers to the Saudi Pro League have been completed.
N’Golo Kante and Karim Benzema have joined Al Nassr. Al Hilal have signed Ruben Neves and Kalidou Koulibaly, while Al Ahil have signed Edouard Mendy and Roberto Firmino.
Many more top-tier European players are likely to relocate to the Middle East.
Leave a Reply