The Saudi splurge on Premier League players is set to continue with Serbia and Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic the latest on the Al-Hilal hitlist. But how much is the 28 year old worth? Here we take a look at what the Middle Eastern club are reportedly offering and where it puts Mitrovic in today’s market.
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Al-Hilal continue to bid for Aleksandar Mitrovic
The opening bid from the Pro League side was a reported £30m which was promptly rejected by the Cottagers who don’t want to let go the man that has scored over 100 goals for the club too easily. The Serbian striker also has an impressive record in front of goal when representing his country, scoring over 50 times in just 81 caps. In fact he is Serbia’s all-time top scorer.
His physical and combative style gives defenders hard work but it has also landed Mitrovic in hot water, he was served an eight-game ban in April after being found guilty of pushing referee Chris Kavanagh. While at Newcastle United he had picked up a four-game suspension for a dangerously high challenge on Kyle Walker.
However, Al-Hilal have already worked to reduce their transfer target’s potential frustration levels by acquiring the services of his compatriot Sergej Milinković-Savić who will provide plenty of ammunition. That’s alongside Ruben Neves who has made the switch from Wolves and will also be on hand to assist from midfield.
The most recent bid, also rejected by Fulham, was said to be £50m as Al-Hilal have made their intentions clear that this is their main summer target to bolster the frontline. The West Londoners are said to be ready to part with him for just a touch over that amount at £52m and are resigned to losing last season’s topscorer. The 28 year old reportedly told relatives he would never play for the club again and wasn’t in the matchday squad for the Summer Series game against Brentford.
🚨 Al-Hilal are close to signing Fulham's 28-year-old Serbia striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.
[Source: 90min] pic.twitter.com/syt5Vp9CsF
— Transfer HQ (@Transfer__HQ) July 25, 2023
Mitrovic by the numbers
- Fulham appearances (goals): 205 (111)
- Serbia appearances (goals): 81 (52)
- Serbia’s all-time topscorer
- Premier League appearances (goals): 128 (38)
- Most goals in a Championship Season, 43 in 2021/22
How does Mitrovic stack up?
According to Transfermrkt the current valuation for Aleksandar Mitrovic is €28m (£24m) which may explain the opening offer from Al-Hilal. It makes him Fulham’s second most valuable asset according to the website, behind João Palinha who sits at €40m (£34.5m).
In terms of Premier League players Mitrovic isn’t in the top 100 but when we focus on centre forwards worldwide he is 32nd globally which makes him a reasonable target for Asia’s most decorated club. He is sandwiched by young Arsenal pair Folarin Balogun (€30m/£26m) and Eddie Nketiah (€25m/£21.5m) but when looking at players of a similar age and position he is next to Borussia Dortmund’s Sebastien Haller who is a year older and only valued slightly higher at €30m (£21.5m).
Should Al-Hilal complete the deal as expected then it will be the third time this summer they have broken the Saudi Pro League transfer record. The aforementioned pair of Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinković-Savić and are first and second respectively having been picked up for €55m and €40m. At current exchange rate Mitrovic would come in at €60m if Fulham’s asking price is met.
Is he worth it?
While Mitrovic may have blown hot and cold in the Premier League his goalscoring record both in the Championship and at international level means he can easily become a key player in the Saudi Pro League. There might be an argument that Al-Hilal could find a younger equivalent with more long-term potential, but the trend so far has been to find ready-made upgrades. Aleksandar Mitrovic certainly fits that bill with over 500 senior games and close to 250 professional goals.
