Sports

Al Hilal signs Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo from Benfica

September 02, 2024

Saudi Gazette report

PARIS —
Al Hilal has announced the signing of 21-year-old Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo from Portuguese club Benfica.

The young forward joins as one of the two foreign players allowed in the newly created under-21 category for international players this summer in Saudi football.

Initial negotiations between Al Hilal and Benfica revolved around a transfer fee of €30 to €35 million, but Benfica officials extended the discussions, eventually agreeing to a €40 million fee to finalize the deal.

The signing aligns with the strong desire of Al Hilal’s Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus to secure the young Brazilian talent.

After passing a medical examination in Portugal, Leonardo traveled to Paris, where he signed a five-year contract with Al Hilal at the Four Seasons George V hotel on Monday.

The deal includes an annual salary of €5 million, with the contract set to run until the summer of 2029. The signing was overseen by Al Hilal's Chairman of the Board, Fahd bin Nafel.


September 02, 2024
570 views
HIGHLIGHTS
Sports
day ago

Dozens arrested amid clashes after Croatia-Poland Nations League match

Sports
2 days ago

Saudi national football team arrives in China for World Cup qualifier

Sports
3 days ago

Saudi athlete Abdulrahman Al-Qurashi wins gold in 100m T53 at Paris 2024 Paralympic Games