Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal have encountered another setback in their ongoing pursuit of Fulham talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic.
A couple of days after seeing their opening £25 million bid for the marquee striker turned down by the Cottagers, the Saudis have launched another assault.
However, according to The Athletic, their improved £35m offer failed to satisfy the London club’s appetites as they seem ready to go above and beyond to hold on to their best player.
Mitrovic has been the latest European star to earn genuine interest from Al-Hilal after they’ve completed high-profile signings of Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
The latter shares a dressing room with the 28-year-old forward in the Serbia national team and could be a critical factor in convincing the ex-Newcastle United man to move to the Saudi Pro League.
Milinkovic-Savic’s unexpected switch to the Middle East might have already influenced Mitrovic’s decision-making process, considering he’s reportedly open to accepting Al-Hilal’s proposal.
However, Fulham have an opposite view as they intend to drive a hard bargain over the striker’s exit, with manager Marco Silva desperately looking to keep him for at least another season.
It’s a little wonder the Cottagers are trying to keep hold of Mitrovic, given everything he has done for the club during his outstanding five-year spell in London.
Since arriving from Newcastle in 2018, the Serb has become a fan favourite at Craven Cottage and arguably one of the most noteworthy figures at Fulham.
Known for his goalscoring prowess and fighting spirit, Mitrovic has gained unlimited trust from the Cottagers’ hierarchy despite his flamboyant character.
His record-breaking 2021/22 exploits that played a pivotal role in earning Fulham promotion to the Premier League have sealed his status as a club legend.
They want him at the head of their frontline next season, and based on their effort to fend off Al-Hilal’s interest, they’re ready to do everything in their power to make that happen.
