Fabrizio Romano has issued an update on Manchester United's search for a strikerplaceholder image
Fabrizio Romano has issued an update on Manchester United's search for a striker | YouTube
The former Fulham striker was linked with a return to the Premier League during the transfer window.
Despite the transfer window officially closing, there is still more business to be done this summer, as the deadline in the Saudi Pro League is yet to arrive, meaning there could be more moves from the Premier League before the end of the month.
Several players in the top tier have made the move to the Saudi league in recent seasons, with one of the big names being former Fulham and Newcastle United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who became somewhat of a modern cult hero for the Cottagers during his time in the Premier League.
Mitrovic sees contract termination
After two years at Al-Hilal, it has now emerged that Mitrovic’s contract at the club has been terminated, and he is pending his next move. Journalist Fabrizio Romano reported the 30-year-old’s contract was terminated by the Saudi club, and he is now set to sign for Qatari club Al-Raayan instead. He said: “Al-Rayyan agree deal to sign Aleksandar Mitrović from Al Hilal, here we go! Permanent move as Mitrović contract has been terminated, ready for new chapter in Qatar.”
Mitrovic will join up with former Leeds United striker Rodrigo at the Qatar-based club, with his new contract expected to last three seasons, taking him towards the twilight of his career. The move potentially shuts down any chance of Mitrovic returning to the Premier League, despite the reported interest from United over the summer.
Why was Mitrovic wanted by Spurs and Man Utd?
The former Fulham striker was a real goal machine during his time in England, with both Newcastle and the Cottagers, so it is no surprise that both United and Spurs were keen on him in the summer. He joined Newcastle in 2015 from Belgian side Anderlecht, and made 72 appearances for the Magpies in a three-year spell, scoring 17 goals.
After it didn’t work out for the Serbia international at St James’ Park, he joined Fulham on loan in 2018 and scored 11 goals in 39 games for Fulham. Following the successful season at Craven Cottage, Mitrovic joined permanently for £21 million.
Over the next four seasons, the attacker managed to score 88 goals for Fulham, including a season in the Championship in 2021/22 when he managed to score a record-breaking 43 league goals, 13 goals more than the second-best season by a Championship player - Ivan Toney in 2021/22 for Brentford.
Fulham cashed in on Mitrovic in 2023, and sold him to Al-Hilal for a fee of £46m, meaning that the Cottagers managed to make a £25m profit on the Serbian, and also got over 100 goals out of him, an impressive piece of business.
Continue Reading