Al Hilal has delivered a decisive statement of intent for the future of the Saudi Pro League by officially extending the contract of midfield star Sergej Milinković-Savić until June 2028.
The agreement, sealed today at the club’s headquarters in Riyadh, adds two years to the Serbian international’s initial deal which was due to expire in 2026.
This move not only locks down one of the league’s most influential non-forward players but also signals Al Hilal’s unwavering commitment to maintaining its domestic and continental dominance.
Readers will find a detailed analysis of what this extension means for the player, the club, and the broader competitive landscape of the Saudi Pro League. It confirms the long-term project in Saudi Arabia and definitively ends the speculation linking the former Lazio man with a return to European football, most notably to Serie A giants like Juventus.
Financial Power and Sporting Commitment
The decision to offer a significant extension less than two years into Milinković-Savić’s original contract underscores both his importance on the pitch and the financial conviction of the Al Hilal hierarchy.
The New Financial Benchmark
While specific figures for the new deal have not been officially released, the extension is widely reported to maintain, if not increase, the lucrative terms of his initial transfer.
His first contract upon joining from Lazio in 2023 was valued at a reported €20 million per season. Sources suggest the new agreement may push his annual earnings, including bonuses, up to €30 million, a significant premium that few European clubs can compete with.
This financial commitment serves as a powerful deterrent to any last-ditch attempts from European clubs—who were reportedly hoping to sign the player on a free transfer in 2026—and reinforces the Saudi Pro League’s standing among the elite global payers.
The extension is not purely financial. Milinković-Savić has publicly spoken about the positive atmosphere at the club. In a statement released by Al Hilal, he noted: “From the first day I arrived at Al Hilal, I felt something different—the fans, the club, the spirit.
What connects me to this club is more than a contract—it’s from the heart. My decision was simple: I’m staying, because glory never leaves.” This commitment highlights a genuine buy-in to the project, going beyond just the financial incentive.
Impact on Al Hilal’s Dynastic Ambitions
Since his arrival, the 30-year-old midfielder has been a key pillar of Al Hilal’s success. His towering presence, exceptional passing range, and knack for scoring crucial goals have cemented his status as a fan favourite, affectionately nicknamed “The Sergeant.” Alongside other high-profile signings, he has been instrumental in Al Hilal’s trophy haul, which includes the Saudi Pro League and the King’s Cup, among others.
His contract until 2028 ensures the continued stability of a core group of top-tier talent. This long-term planning is essential as Al Hilal, and the Saudi Pro League as a whole, aim to increase their competitive standing in the AFC Champions League and on the world stage, particularly leading up to major international tournaments.
By securing a player who has delivered 31 goals and 27 assists in 105 appearances across all competitions, Al Hilal has safeguarded its tactical spine for the foreseeable future, making it even harder for domestic rivals and Asian contenders to break their dominance.
The End of the Juventus Dream
Perhaps the most notable consequence of this renewal is the final closure of the long-running transfer saga linking Milinković-Savić to Juventus. The Italian club had pursued the Serbian star for years during his time at Lazio and had recently revived their interest, with hopes of securing him on a free transfer when his original Al Hilal contract expired in 2026.
The extension until 2028 is a definitive surrender for the Bianconeri and any other European suitor. It confirms that the financial gap between the Saudi Pro League and even the traditional European powerhouses remains substantial, especially for players in their prime earning years.
For Juventus, this forces an immediate change in their midfield transfer strategy, turning their attention elsewhere to fill a creative void they had hoped to plug with the Serbian.
This news validates the ambition of the Saudi football project: when they acquire a top player, they are determined to keep them for the long haul.
