The 27-year-old French left-back has officially transferred to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal on a three-year contract after a standout six-season spell at AC Milan, where he made 262 appearances and helped secure the 2021-22 Serie A title. Al-Hilal, coached by Simone Inzaghi, paid €25 million for Hernandez, rewarding him with a reported €18 million annual salary—four times his Milan wages. This move marks a significant shift as Hernandez leaves European football for a growing Saudi league, reflecting the increasing financial pull of Middle Eastern clubs on top talent[1][2][3][4][5].
This transfer not only strengthens Al-Hilal’s defensive line but also highlights the club’s ambition to compete at the highest levels domestically and continentally by acquiring proven European stars.