The Saudi Pro League has become a destination for European stars seeking lucrative deals in recent years, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, N’Golo Kanté, Ivan Toney, and Karim Benzema all swapping European football for Asian luxury.
Al-Hilal, a giant of Saudi football, has pursued top talents in recent years. While some players have made the move to join the club, others have turned down contract offers. Footy-Africa recalls the super stars, who have turned down lucrative offers.
Below are players who have rejected offers from Al-Hilal:
1. Victor Osimhen
After a dramatic 2024 summer that ended with a failed move to Al-Ahli, league rivals Al-Hilal returned this summer with a lucrative deal to acquire the services of Napoli-owned Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, who had enjoyed a stellar debut season in Turkey.
Despite both clubs agreeing on a €75 million deal for his signing— with Al-Hilal pushing to complete the transfer ahead of the Club World Cup— the 26-year-old Nigerian star rejected a staggering €40 million-per-year offer, expressing his desire to continue playing in Europe.
The former African Footballer of the Year is in no rush to make a decision about his future. His decision to decline Al-Hilal’s offer has reportedly put the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea on high alert to renew their interest.
Related article: Nigerian Legend Yobo Backs Osimhen’s Decision to Snub Saudi Move
2. Bruno Fernandes
After enduring a difficult campaign, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes also rejected an approach from Al-Hilal. Currently earning approximately €292,500 per week, the Saudi side had offered to triple the 30-year-old’s salary. They also proposed a transfer fee of around €117 million to Manchester United for his signature. However, Fernandes opted against the move, stating his preference to continue playing at the highest level of football.
3. Theo Hernandez
French defender Theo Hernandez is another player who turned down a move to the Saudi Pro League giants.
Despite an agreement between AC Milan and Al-Hilal, the 27-year-old refused to accept a €30 million deal, instead opting to join Spanish giants Atletico Madrid following the expiration of his contract with the Italian side.
4. Lionel Messi
After long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo made the switch to join Al-Nassr from Manchester United, Argentine superstar Lionel Messi turned down a world-record deal to join Al-Hilal in 2023.
The Saudi side reportedly offered the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner a weekly wage of €15 million to €20 million— totaling between €900 million and €1 billion per season— which he declined in order to join Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
Arguably the greatest footballer of all time, Messi has since become the all-time leading goal scorer for the MLS side, while also winning the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield.
