Al Hilal's Foreign Core On the Verge of Staying Put: Renewals Near for Bono, Koulibaly, Neves, and Savic
3 octobre 2025
Renewal Talks for Al Hilal's Foreign Core Gain Momentum
Saudi club Al Hilal is closing in on keeping its quartet of foreign stars—Yassine Bono, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves, and Sergej Savic—for the near future.
According to the Saudi daily Al Yaom, renewals for Bono and Koulibaly are imminent, with negotiations for Neves and Savic also moving in a very positive direction.
The talks with the foreign quartet enjoy strong backing from fans and the club's management, with a positive atmosphere and players expressing a desire to continue their journey with the Blue Wave.
The paper notes that official announcements for the renewals could arrive in the next weeks, underlining Al Hilal's intention to preserve its potent core.
Though the four internationals could sign elsewhere in the upcoming winter window since their contracts expire at season's end, Italian coach Simone Inzaghi is said to oppose departures and wants them to stay as part of the club's ongoing project.
Yassine Bono joined Al Hilal in the summer of 2023 from Sevilla as part of a broader Saudi Pro League recruitment drive sparked by substantial ownership changes involving 75% of the clubs Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Hilal, and Al Nassr being transferred to the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
The veteran Moroccan goalkeeper has featured 99 times for Al Hilal across all competitions, conceding 94 goals and keeping 38 clean sheets.
Bono was one of the standout performers at the Club World Cup. Records site SofaScore noted he made 23 saves in the tournament, making him the busiest goalkeeper of the edition, ahead of other goalkeepers with around 20 saves.
Additionally, Bono led the tournament's category for saves from inside the box, with 15 stops, and he finished fifth in the overall performance ratings (8.18) in the event, prompting talk of potential Ballon d'Or-level recognition from France Football's awards panel.
Kalidou Koulibaly joined Al Hilal in 2023 on a three-year deal from Chelsea after spells with Metz, Genk, Napoli, before arriving at the Blue Wave.
The Senegal international, now 34, has appeared 100 times for the club, scoring five goals and providing three assists.
Sergej Milinković-Savić joined in 2023 from Lazio and has since been one of the top midfielders in Europe, featuring 102 times for the team with 30 goals and 26 assists, helping the Azul reach four trophies (league, King's Cup, and two domestic super cups) and the Club World Cup appearance.
There have been rumors of European clubs chasing Savic, but agent Uros Janković told the Saudi paper that only Al Hilal is the priority for now, with the aim to win every possible title.
Robin Neves joined in 2023 from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a three-year deal. He has played 97 matches for the club, scoring 10 goals and providing 24 assists.
Tottenham have shown willingness to bid around €20 million while Manchester United and Newcastle United monitor the situation.
Al Yaom noted that the non-renewal of Savic and Neves was a budgeting issue, but recent developments have seen movement from the club's administration.
Humor time: If these renewals go through, Al Hilal’s trophy cabinet might need a bigger shelf. Punchline 1: The club will finally have a contract extension policy that even the players can’t negotiate away with a smirk. Punchline 2: If in doubt, just sign a new clause that says “trophies included” and watch the silverware start lining up.
