Los 40 USA
NewslettersSign in to commentAPP
spainSPAINchileCHILEcolombiaCOLOMBIAusaUSAmexicoMEXICOlatin usaLATIN USAamericaAMERICA

Football

Al-Hilal play down Hulk rumours

The Saudi Arabian outfit denied having an interest in signing the Brazilian who announced his departure from Shanghai SIPG following ACL elimination.

Update:
(FILES) This file photo taken on November 19, 2020 shows SIPG's forward Hulk running with the ball during the AFC Champions League group H football match between Australia's Sydney FC and China's Shanghai SIPG, at the Khalifa International
KARIM JAAFARAFP

Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal refuted the rumors suggesting they have been holding talks with the highly-ranked Brazilian Hulk who had announced earlier his departure from Chinese Shanghai SIPG after they were eliminated from the ACL Round of 16.

Brazilian reports suggested earlier that the forward rejected offers from club in Saudi Arabia and Qatari in addition to turning down an offer from MLS side Inter Miami as he is interested in joining a European club. Some media outlets confirmed that Al-Hilal joined a race with Brazilian outfit Palmeiras to secure the services of the 34-year-old.

However, a trusted source at Al-Hilal denied any current talks with the player's agent commenting, that agents of players whose contracts are expiring soon start contacting Gulf clubs especially Al-Hilal in order to raise these players' market value.

Furthermore, The Chairman of the Saudi-Arabian giants, Fahad Bin Nafel, noted that the club always finds difficulties when they show real interest in players as their agents ask for extravagant fees once the name of the club is brought up.

"We always find it difficult to negotiate with a player. This talk shouldn't upset anyone, but whenever Al-Hilal's name is mentioned this doesn't help us. They ask for exaggerated fees and this is not In our favour. However, thanks to God with our negotiation strategy we could accomplish what can help Al-Hilal and maintain its balance". He said.

Hulk announced earlier that his time at Shanghai SIPG has come to an end following the team's ACL tournament exit to Japan's Vissel Kobe in Doha.