In a transfer saga that has captivated the football world, French left-back Theo Hernández remains undecided about a move to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, despite a formal agreement being reached between Al Hilal and his current club, AC Milan, over a week ago. The delay in personal terms being agreed upon has raised speculation about the player’s intentions, motivations, and the broader implications for both clubs involved.
Al Hilal, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), have been active in attracting top European talents in recent transfer windows, luring stars such as Neymar Jr., Kalidou Koulibaly, and Sergej Milinković-Savić with lucrative contracts. Their pursuit of Theo Hernández follows this pattern—targeting elite players at the peak of their powers to elevate the Saudi Pro League’s global status. With reports indicating that Al Hilal and Milan agreed on a transfer fee believed to be in excess of €60 million, the groundwork seemed set for Hernández’s departure from Serie A.
However, the player himself remains hesitant. Despite the financial package reportedly on the table—including a salary that could triple his current earnings in Milan—Hernández has yet to greenlight the deal. This delay is not only unusual in the context of modern football deals but also telling of the complex calculus players now face when considering a move to the Middle East.
Several factors may be behind Hernández’s reluctance. First, at just 26 years old, Theo is widely considered to be in the prime of his career. He is a mainstay in Milan’s starting XI and a regular selection for Didier Deschamps’ French national team. A move to the Saudi Pro League, despite its growth, could affect his visibility on the international stage—particularly with UEFA competitions and the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.
Moreover, Hernández has deep ties to Milan, both professionally and personally. Since his move from Real Madrid in 2019, he has blossomed into one of the world’s most dynamic left-backs, even serving as vice-captain at times. His connection with the club, the fans, and the project under Stefano Pioli—or a potential new manager—cannot be overlooked. Milan have built a core of youthful talent around leaders like Hernández, and his departure would signify not just a personnel loss, but a psychological blow to the squad.
Another important layer is the player’s ambition. While the Saudi league offers unprecedented financial rewards, it still lags in competitive prestige compared to Europe’s top leagues. Hernández may be holding out in hope of a move to another elite European club, such as Bayern Munich, Manchester United, or PSG—clubs that have previously shown interest and that would keep him within the Champions League spotlight.
From Al Hilal’s perspective, the delay is a major frustration. The club believed they had secured one of their top summer targets, and the prolonged negotiations risk damaging the momentum they hoped to build early in the transfer window. With the club eager to finalize its foreign contingent for next season, Hernández’s indecision may force them to turn their attention to alternative targets.
AC Milan, meanwhile, are in a delicate position. The agreed transfer fee would represent a significant financial boost, potentially funding reinforcements in multiple positions. However, they cannot push the deal over the line without the player’s approval. Milan must now prepare for both scenarios: retaining Hernández and keeping him central to their tactical setup, or replacing him swiftly should he ultimately decide to leave.
As of now, Hernández has not commented publicly on the proposed move. Sources close to the player suggest he is “not fully convinced” and is still weighing his options, balancing financial gain with competitive ambition. Some reports suggest he may be waiting to see how other top European clubs respond in the coming weeks before committing either way.
The situation remains fluid, and with the summer transfer window still in its early stages, a resolution is likely to come soon. But as it stands, the player’s indecision speaks volumes. In an era where massive financial offers often seal deals swiftly, Theo Hernández’s hesitation underscores that for some players, legacy, competition, and personal ambition still matter just as much—if not more—than a lucrative paycheck.
Until Hernández makes his decision, this transfer story will continue to be one of the most closely w
atched of the summer.
