AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed that Theo Hernandez is poised to leave the club to join Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, bringing an end to six years at San Siro.
Hernandez, 27, has been a pivotal figure for the Rossoneri since arriving from Real Madrid in 2019. Over six seasons, the France international made 262 appearances in all competitions, scoring 34 goals, providing 41 assists, and contributing to 70 clean sheets. He also played a key role in Milan’s 2021 22 Scudetto triumph, the club’s 19th Serie A title, under then-coach Stefano Pioli.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Allegri, who returned to Milan ahead of the 2025 26 campaign, acknowledged Hernandez’s decision to leave.
Theo has made a different choice. He is a great player and I wish him the best of luck, Allegri said, confirming the defender’s imminent departure to Simone Inzaghi’s Al Hilal.
With Hernandez set to move on, questions have turned to who might replace the dynamic full-back. However, Allegri made it clear he intends to look within the current squad rather than immediately dipping into the transfer market.
I repeat, I don’t talk about the market. We have Alex Jimenez and Davide Bartesaghi as full-backs, and for now, we will work with them, he added.
Then the club and the sporting director will have time and a way to fix things.
Allegri also praised his current defensive options, expressing confidence in the squad’s depth and potential.
The central defenders are good. Strahinja Pavlovic has room for improvement, as well as Fikayo Tomori and Malick Thiaw. Matteo Gabbia is an exemplary boy in terms of behaviour and manners. I’m happy.
Milan’s pre-season preparations include high-profile friendlies against Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Leeds United and Perth Glory before they begin their competitive campaign in the Coppa Italia against Bari on 17 August, which will mark Allegri’s first official match of his second spell in charge.
