ar- العربية Al Hilal has made headlines with the signing of 21-year-old Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo from Portuguese club Benfica. This high-profile acquisition marks a significant move for the Riyadh-based giants as they continue to strengthen their squad ahead of a challenging season.
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Leonardo’s transfer comes as part of Al Hilal’s strategy to integrate young, international talent into their roster. He will be one of the two foreign players allowed in the newly created under-21 category for international players in Saudi football this summer. This signing not only bolsters Al Hilal’s attacking options but also underscores the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent as they compete on multiple fronts.
The deal did not come easy. Initial negotiations between Al Hilal and Benfica centered around a transfer fee ranging between €30 to €35 million. However, after extended discussions, Benfica officials finally agreed to a €40 million fee to finalize the transfer. This significant investment aligns with the vision of Al Hilal’s Portuguese coach, Jorge Jesus, who was keen on securing the services of the promising young Brazilian.
Following a successful medical examination in Portugal, Leonardo traveled to Paris, where he signed a five-year contract with Al Hilal at the prestigious Four Seasons George V hotel. The contract, which runs until the summer of 2029, includes an annual salary of €5 million. The signing was personally overseen by Al Hilal’s Chairman of the Board, Fahd bin Nafel, highlighting the club’s dedication to securing top talent.
Leonardo joins Al Hilal at a pivotal moment. The club is looking to refresh its squad to retain its Saudi League title and make a strong bid for the AFC Asian Champions League. Additionally, Al Hilal is gearing up for its participation in the 2025 Club World Cup, where they will aim to compete against some of the world’s best teams.
Marcos Leonardo’s arrival adds depth to Al Hilal’s attacking lineup, where he is expected to serve as a backup to Serbian striker Alexander Mitrovic. Despite being just 21, Leonardo brings valuable experience from his time at Benfica, where he joined from Brazilian side Santos for €18 million. During his time at Benfica, he scored eight goals and provided one assist in 24 games, showcasing his potential to make a significant impact at Al Hilal.
As Al Hilal continues its campaign, which has already seen them win the Saudi Super Cup after defeating Al Nassr and secure victories in their first two league games, the addition of Leonardo will undoubtedly provide a boost to their ambitions. The club’s next challenge comes on September 14, when they face Al Riyadh, and all eyes will be on the young Brazilian to see how he adapts to his new surroundings.
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With this signing, Al Hilal not only strengthens its squad but also sends a clear message that they are ready to compete at the highest level, both domestically and internationally.