Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal have made a major acquisition by signing Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic from Serie A side Lazio. The announcement was made on Wednesday confirming the completion of the agreement. Al-Hilal described Milinkovic-Savic as “coming from the eagles of Italy” and said he represented “Asia’s leader” in a tweet.
Suits you, Sergej! 💙#AlHilal 🤩 pic.twitter.com/rv2z1VzkDl
— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) July 12, 2023
According to JEE News reports, Al Hilal have agreed to pay around 40 million euros ($44.51 million) for the 28-year-old. Milinkovic-Savic has committed to a three-year deal with an additional option for a fourth year. He will join forces with Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly and Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves, who both recently joined the club in June.
Born to be a “HERO” 💙
— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) July 12, 2023
Raised as a “CHAMPION” 🥇🦅 pic.twitter.com/XC3oZwgEBe
To mark the occasion, Al Hilal shared a video on social media, capturing the emotional reaction of Milinkovic-Savic’s father as he looked at the photos of his son. The footage then shifts to the Serbian player proudly wearing his new team’s jersey, saying “I am the crescent”.
Milinkovic-Savic started his career with Lazio in 2015 and was instrumental in their victory in the 2018–19 Italian Cup as well as their two Italian Super Cup victories. Al Hilal, based in Riyadh, has an illustrious history as the most decorated club in Saudi Arabia and Asia. They have an impressive record of 18 Saudi League titles and four Asian Champions titles.
Despite losing their league and Champions League crowns last season, Al Hilal remains a formidable force in Saudi Arabian football. The addition of Milinkovic-Savic, along with the recent re-appointment of Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus on a one-year contract, signals their determination to recapture their past successes and dominate the coming season.
