Simone Inzaghi Becomes Al Hilal Coach After Leaving Inter Milan

Simone Inzaghi is now the head coach of Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. He signed a contract until June 2027.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The 49-year-old Italian finalised his move after leaving Inter Milan. He had one year left on that deal. Al Hilal signed him for two years, with an option for a third based on team performance. Inzaghi‘s agents, including Federico Pastorello, negotiated favourable contract terms for him.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Inzaghi leaves Inter after a successful four-year spell where he claimed six trophies and reached the Champions League final twice. His departure comes as a big deal for Al Hilal. They now have one of Europe’s top managers.

Inzaghi will reportedly receive a big signing bonus between €4 million and €5 million. This shows the Saudi club’s financial strength. They are keen to bring top European coaches to the Saudi Pro League.

Al Hilal leads the Saudi Pro League standings after dominating domestic competition this season. Their signing of Inzaghi shows a desire to not only maintain domestic superiority but also make a big impact on the global stage.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Inzaghi has a challenge ahead. He’ll make his Al Hilal debut in the Club World Cup against Real Madrid on June 14, giving him play football online just over a week to prepare his team for that game. Al Hilal will also face FC Salzburg and Pachuca in their group and the Italian is expected to fly to the United States in the coming hours to join his new club, with Al Hilal representatives already in Milan finalising bureaucratic details of the transfer.

With Inter Milan now seeking a replacement for Inzaghi, attention shifts to how he’ll adapt his tactical approach to this new environment as the pressure will be on immediately with Al Hilal aiming to make a statement in the expanded Club World Cup tournament against some of the world’s elite clubs.