Milinkovic-Savic: Serie A Return on Free Transfer?

Former Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic could return to Serie A as a free agent, with the talented Serbian’s contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal due to expire next summer.

According to what has been reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel, via lalaziosiamonoiMilinkovic-Savic could choose to leave Saudi Arabia in favour of a return to Europe.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 01: Sergej Milinkovic-Savic of Al-Hilal in action during the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr at King Fahd International Stadium on December 01, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

The reports claim that the 30-year-old has been courted by a number of Italian clubs since leaving Lazio for Al-Hilal, with Juventus, Inter and Milan all approaching him in recent years – yet Al-Hilal have shown no openness to sell.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has been a truly flagship addition for the Saudi Pro League. The Serbian has been exceptional for Al-Hilal and was named in the Team of the Season for both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 campaigns.

Lazio�’sSergej Milinkovic-Savic celebrates with teammates after winning the Italian Serie A soccer match between Lazio and Juventus at the Olimpico stadium in Rome, Italy, 08 April 2023. EPA-EFE/FABIO FRUSTACI

Whilst there would be no shortage of clubs interested in the former Lazio star, the main obstacle would inherently be the difference in salaries that Italian sides can offer compared to Saudi counterparts.

If Milinkovic-Savic were to return to Serie A, he would likely need to take a substantial pay-cut but it cannot be ruled out if the Serbian decides he favours a new experience over a new deal in Riyadh.

Marcus Cole

Marcus Cole is a senior football analyst at Archysport with over a decade of experience covering the NFL, college football, and international football leagues. A former NCAA Division I player turned journalist, Marcus brings an insider's understanding of the game to every breakdown. His work focuses on tactical analysis, draft evaluations, and in-depth game previews. When he's not breaking down film, Marcus covers the intersection of football culture and the communities it shapes across America.

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