La Gazzetta dello Sport revealed that Al Hilal’s management has entered into negotiations with Inter Milan star Nicolò Barella to persuade him to represent the Blue Wave in the 2025 Club World Cup.
According to the report, the Saudi club is willing to make Barella one of the highest-paid players in the world, earning €35 million annually if he agrees to move to the Roshen League.
The Italian international currently earns €6.5 million annually, making him the highest-paid Italian player and the second-highest-paid Inter player after Argentine star Lisandro Martinez.
So far, Barella is leaning toward staying with Inter. He also has set participation in the 2026 World Cup with the Azzurri as his primary goal, and believes a move to Saudi Arabia could undermine that dream.
The 28-year-old also aims to continue his success with Inter, and his passion for winning the Champions League remains intact. Therefore, all indications suggest he will reject Al Hilal’s offer.
It’s worth noting that Barella is a key player in coach Simone Inzaghi’s squad, and his contract with Inter Milan runs until 2029 without a release clause, reassuring the Italian club despite the intense Saudi interest.
