Theo Hernandez is reportedly attempting to persuade Rafael Leão to join him at Al-Hilal, according to reports in Italy. Leão has expressed a desire to leave Milan, informing the club of his wish for a “new challenge” at the end of May and reiterating it while on international duty with Portugal.
Hernandez and Leão previously formed a potent attacking partnership on the left flank during their time together at Milan, a dynamic the Portuguese fullback hopes to recreate in Saudi Arabia. The pair played almost 15,000 minutes together in competitive matches. While a formal transfer negotiation has not yet begun, Hernandez is leveraging his personal relationship with Leão and enlisting the help of former Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi to sway his former teammate.
Leão has publicly stated his preference for a move to either the English Premier League or La Liga in Spain, prioritizing the Premier League as his preferred destination. He feels that a transfer to either of those leagues would better showcase his talent and allow him to compete at the highest level of European football. The player indicated he is at the end of his cycle with Milan after seven years with the club, struggling for form at times throughout the recent season.
Despite reported offers, including a substantial offer of €10 million net per season from Galatasaray, Leão has not shown interest in moves to Turkey or other more “exotic” leagues. However, the significant financial incentives offered by Saudi Arabian clubs could potentially become a factor. Hernandez believes a personal connection and the opportunity to reunite a successful partnership could be key to convincing Leão. The success of the move may hinge on the timing and the emergence of concrete offers from Leão’s preferred destinations, with Hernandez hoping that a move could materialize as the transfer window progresses into August.
