Transfer Bombshell: Al Hilal Saudi Arabia on Brink of Landing Brazilian Sensation Marcos Leonardo

Press reports reveal that Saudi club Al Hilal are very close to finalizing a deal for Portuguese Benfica player Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo at the current Mercato.

The Saudi club intends to exploit the Saudi Federation’s regulations regarding the right to register numbers of foreign players under the age of 21.

Leonardo’s contract with Benfica expires in 2029.

According to a report by Al-Riyadiya newspaper, Portuguese club Benfica’s management have stipulated that Al Hilal officials increase their offer from 35 to 40 million euros to include Marcos Leonardo.

The newspaper quoted its sources as saying that Al Hilal management is moving towards agreeing to the Portuguese club’s demands to finalize the deal before the summer transfer window closes.

He added: “Al-Hilal officials are currently discussing the financial terms of the contract with Benfica’s management, as well as the details that he will receive an annual salary if the three parties agree, the contract will take on an official character.”

Leonardo has occupied the position of direct or late striker and the 21-year-old striker graduated from Brazilian club Santos, and has broken into the first team by 2020, before moving to Benfica last January 5.

He appeared in 168 matches with Santos, scoring 54 goals and assisting 11 others.

With Benfica, he played 23 matches, scoring seven goals and assisting one goal.