AC Milan have joined Manchester United in a pursuit of Aleksander Mitrovic as the 30-year-old striker weighs up a return to Europe from the Saudi Pro League, according to a report.
Mitrovic enjoyed five brilliant seasons for Fulham, returning 111 goals and 21 assists in 206 appearances for the Cottagers and establishing himself as one of the most underrated forwards in England.
The Serbian international had previously played for Newcastle United before joining the West London club on loan in the winter window in 2018. Fulham would sign him permanently the following summer in a deal worth a potential £27 million.
But Mitrovic left Craven Cottage in 2023 after Al-Hilal offered £50 million to sign the number nine – a record fee for Fulham.
Across 79 appearances for the Saudi side, Mitrovic has scored 68 goals and provided a further 15 assists, demonstrating his nose for goal has not been impacted by the move to the Middle East.
However, the 30-year-old striker is reportedly considering a dramatic return to European football as Al-Hilal push for new signings ahead of the Club World Cup on June 14.
Saudi Pro League clubs are subject to a quota on foreign players and often have to move on a big-money signing from the past to make way for the one from the present.
Al-Hilal executives are open to Mitrovic’s departure on a permanent deal or a loan, but want to sign his replacement beforehand with reports suggesting a move for Victor Osimhen to the club is imminent.
United are “considering a move” for the Serbian international as Old Trafford officials continue to hunt for a new striker to buttress Ruben Amorim’s misfiring forward line, according to a report relayed by The Peoples Person.
Mitrovic is thought to be available for £40 million and is willing to take a wage cut to seal a return to England. And while Fulham are not plotting a reunion, Everton and West Ham United are believed to be interested in the 6’2 powerhouse.
However, Serie A giant AC Milan have now entered the race for the 30-year-old after making an enquiry over a summer swoop.
Al-Hilal are “yet to receive and bids, but are braced for offers and prepared to engage with clubs once a new number nine arrives,” according to talkSPORT. And the report contends United “don’t currently have the finances to pull off a deal without outgoings first.”
This potentially gives the Serie A side the advantage if they are able to muster the funds and convince Mitrovic to choose the San Sir over Old Trafford, with neither club thought to be posed a threat by Everton or West Ham.
Featured image Yasser Bakhsh via Getty Images
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
