Al Hilal’s Secret Weapon: Bono Stays Put as a Trio Locks in Renewals

Bono’s Renewal Keeps Al Hilal’s Goal in Safe Hands

Al Hilal delighted fans by securing the future of its first-choice goalkeeper, Morocco’s Yassine Bono, with a contract extension through summer 2028, keeping the champion's trusted stopper longer.

Al Hilal officially announced Bono's contract renewal on Thursday, ending his current deal, and turning attention to other players whose contracts run out at the same time.

Milinkovic-Savic, Neves, and Koulibaly: Renewal Talks on the Table

Media reports said the trio—Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Ruben Neves, and Kalidou Koulibaly—are the players singled out for renewal in the near future. The three core names arrived from Lazio (Milinkovic-Savic, 2023), Chelsea (Koulibaly), and Wolves (Neves), and they have become central to the project.

Milinkovic-Savic: Backbone, Attacking Conductor, and Model of Consistency

Milinkovic-Savic has quickly established himself as a central pillar in Al Hilal's midfield since joining from Lazio in summer 2023. He blends physical power with sharp tactical awareness and a knack for decisive contributions in attack. His role is to bridge defense and attack, creating play and anchoring the team's tempo. His precise distribution and ability to read spaces have made him one of the club's most influential players this season, contributing goals and assists across domestic competition and Asia's elite stage. His leadership and presence provide a reliable axis that supports the forwards and keeps the engine running smoothly.

Neves: Leadership, Precision, and European Interest

Neves, captain material and a talisman of passing precision, has been a driving force in midfield. The Portuguese star has drawn Euro interest due to his technical range, vision, and discipline. Renewal would preserve balance and experience in the engine room, supporting Milinkovic-Savic and the forward line with measured distribution and late-game energy. Since arriving, he has been a core architect of the team's possession-based approach, orchestrating transitions with measured long and short passes and adding reliable defensive coverage. His leadership and European experience have made him a key part of coach Inzaghi's plan, translating a philosophy of discipline and versatility into results.

Koulibaly: Patience, Presence, and a Pillar at the Back

Koulibaly has been a steady presence at the back since moving from Chelsea in 2023. A fixed anchor in defense, he has formed partnerships and remains a trusted figure for the coach, praised for leadership and reliability at the heart of the defense. The Senegalese defender welcomes the prospect of extending his stay, feeling comfortable in Riyadh and open to another season. His continued presence would anchor the backline as the team chases domestic supremacy and another continental title.

And if renewals were goals, this summer’s contract chatter might just be a hat-trick. If rosters grew on trees, Al Hilal would need a bigger trophy cabinet to fit all the new shelves.