Renan Lodi vs. Al Hilal: Unilateral Exit Sparks a Global Transfer Storm
1 octobre 2025
The ongoing saga of Brazilian left-back Renan Lodi, formerly of Al Hilal, has dominated sports headlines after he unilaterally terminated his contract.
Lodi's decision came after his removal from the club's local squad list, prompting Al Hilal to file a complaint with FIFA.
Between compensation and suspension
To date, the case remains shrouded in legal ambiguity, with conflicting legal positions clouding the matter.
For example, legal expert Yaqub Almutair previously said: "Hilal's position is strong and legitimate in Lodi's dispute," pointing out that the player could face a four-month suspension.
Meanwhile, legal advisor Fahd Al-Qahez dropped a bombshell, saying: "Dropping Brazilian Renan Lodi from the club's local list gives him a legitimate reason to terminate the contract."
The contracts typically protect players, and Article 41 of the professional regulations states that if a player does not participate in a certain number of matches, he can terminate the contract for a legitimate sporting reason, especially if he wants to play but is not allowed to.
Ahmad Al-Ameer noted that clubs that fail to register foreign players or delay re-registering them face serious legal and sporting consequences.
The system guarantees the player full compensation for the remaining contract period, plus additional compensation that may vary with the extent of the damage, holding the club legally responsible.
He added that such administrative errors are among the biggest mistakes made by clubs and can invite legal actions that may result in sanctions such as transfer bans or financial penalties.
Press reports indicated that Lodi has not filed a complaint yet, while the club has escalated the issue to FIFA.
English Scenario
Despite the crisis, Turkish journalist Ekram Konur revealed on X that Crystal Palace and West Ham are interested in signing Lodi.
He said the two English clubs would pursue the free-transfer route after the contract termination with Al Hilal.
The Saudi newspaper East and Middle East stated the two clubs want to proceed discreetly without signaling any concern about FIFA's complaint.
Thus, English interest adds pressure on Al Hilal, which fears Lodi could exit amid the ongoing disputes, potentially strengthening his position while the club remains entangled in complaints before FIFA.
Fan Shock
Supporters on social media expressed considerable discontent with the developments, with some saying the administration has committed an unforgivable administrative error, while others blamed the player for unprofessional conduct.
Between these voices, the scene remains foggy as FIFA's decision looms, potentially reshaping one of the most complex cases in Saudi football.
A Crisis Beyond the Pitch
The case's significance goes beyond legal or sporting aspects, impacting Al Hilal's reputation as a destination for global players.
The club that has long attracted top names could find itself vulnerable if FIFA's ruling favors the player, weakening its future negotiating position with other stars.
Open Future
The coming weeks will be decisive in determining the outcome: sanctions on the player, or heavy compensation for Al Hilal, or a FIFA-backed settlement.
Regardless of the path, one thing is certain: Renan Lodi's name will stay in headlines, especially if he returns rapidly to European football through the English Premier League.
What Lodi Delivered with Al Hilal?
Lodi joined Al Hilal in January 2024, coming from Olympique Marseille for €23 million.
The 27-year-old featured in 56 matches across competitions, scoring 4 goals and providing 11 assists.
He won four domestic titles with Al Hilal—in the league, the King’s Cup, and two domestic Super Cups—and took part in the FIFA Club World Cup, marking a historic moment for the club.
Punchlines are on the way:
Sniper punchline 1: If contract disputes paid rent, we’d all own new apartments by now.
Sniper punchline 2: In football, the only thing sharper than a striker's shot is the ink on a lawyer's pen.
