Theo Hernandez is waiting for his move to Saudi club Al Hilal. The French full-back is scheduled to join his new team after the Club World Cup. A three-year contract worth €20 million per season has been agreed upon with the Saudi club. AC Milan has also approved the transfer and is expected to receive approximately €30 million, including fixed fees and potential bonuses. Theo will thus say goodbye to Milan after six seasons, having scored 34 goals and won two trophies: a Serie A title and an Italian Super Cup.
The immediate question for Rossoneri fans is: who will step in to replace him? A definitive answer is not yet available. For the left-back position, Milan has explored several potential candidates, such as Cambiaso, Udogie, and Zinchenko, but concrete negotiations have not yet significantly progressed. A similar situation exists for the right-back spot, although Guela Doué, the older brother of PSG`s young talent Desiré, is considered the top preference within the club`s offices on Via Aldo Rossi. However, Rennes` asking price of over €20 million is currently viewed as excessive.
Portuguese Option
Consequently, sporting director Igli Tare continues his search for defensive reinforcements. Among the profiles being actively studied is Martim Fernandes, a 19-year-old player from Porto. He was also scouted during the Club World Cup. His notable qualities include personality, speed, and tactical versatility; he can play effectively as a right-back in a four-man defense, a wing-back, or even a wide defender in a back three. The primary drawback, as is often the case, is the potential transfer fee. Porto is known for being a difficult club to negotiate with and considers Martim a fundamental player for the upcoming season. His release clause is reportedly set at €60 million, a figure that is currently far outside of Milan`s market valuation.
