Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal have completed the signing of AC Milan and France international left-back Theo Hernandez on a three-year contract, the club announced on Thursday. The 27-year-old defender leaves Milan in a deal reportedly worth €25 million ($29.2 million), according to Italian media. His exit comes after months of unsuccessful negotiations over a contract extension beyond 2026. Milan, wary of losing Hernandez for free next summer, prioritized a sale this window. Despite initial reluctance, the Frenchman accepted Al-Hilal’s offer after failing to secure a move within Europe. Atletico Madrid had shown interest in re-signing him, but talks between the Spanish club and Milan collapsed. World Cup Concerns Hernandez has earned 38 caps and scored two goals for France. He was part of the squad that reached the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, where France lost to Argentina on penalties. His move to Saudi Arabia—less than a year before the 2026 World Cup—could raise questions about his place in Didier Deschamps’ plans. However, the France coach recently selected N’Golo Kante, currently playing for Al-Ittihad, for Euro 2024, offering Hernandez hope. Milan Target Zinchenko as Replacement With Hernandez’s departure confirmed, AC Milan are looking to reinvest the funds. Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko is reportedly one of the top names on Milan’s shortlist as they seek a reliable replacement ahead of the new Serie A season. Hernandez now joins a growing list of European stars heading to the Saudi Pro League, where he will play under manager Simone Inzaghi at Al-Hilal.