RIYADH – The race for Marcos Leonardo is heating up. The 22-year-old Brazilian striker is reportedly determined to leave Al-Hilal during this January transfer window, with a return to European football as his absolute priority. Despite recent approaches from Brazilian giants Flamengo, the former Benfica man has no plans to return to his homeland at this stage of his career.
According to reports from Hilal Stuff and Bolavip Brasil, the Serie A is the most likely destination for the young forward. While Napoli were the first to show interest, they now face stiff competition from Lazio, who are reportedly looking to hijack the negotiations to bolster their attack.
Al-Hilal’s Foreign Player Dilemma
Marcos Leonardo’s potential exit is partly driven by the squad regulations in the Saudi Pro League. Al-Hilal is currently looking to free up registration slots for new international signings.
However, a disagreement regarding the transfer model has emerged:
- The Club’s Stance: Al-Hilal, as suggested by journalist Al-Jamaz, is open to a loan deal to facilitate a quick move.
- The Player’s Stance: Marcos Leonardo is reportedly pushing for a permanent transfer, seeking long-term stability back in Europe after his brief stint in the Middle East.
The Financial Landscape
Marcos Leonardo, who is under contract until June 2029, currently earns approximately €5.1 million (£4.3m) per year. While this salary is substantial, it remains within reach for elite Italian clubs looking for a proven goalscorer with high resale value.
Before his move to Saudi Arabia, Leonardo showcased his potential in Portugal with Benfica, where he netted eight goals in 24 appearances. His familiarity with the European game makes him an attractive “plug-and-play” option for Antonio Conte’s Napoli or the tactical setup at Lazio.
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
