Aleksandar Mitrović Completes Move to Al Rayyan After Al Hilal Departure

Aleksandar Mitrović has joined Al Rayyan, leaving Al Hilal by mutual agreement. The Serbian striker will now start a new chapter in the Qatar Stars League.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Mitrović reached an agreement to end his contract with Al Hilal, which was supposed to run until 2026. He will now join Al Rayyan, with all documents signed. In his two years at Al Hilal, the 30-year-old scored 68 goals and provided 15 assists in 79 appearances. Last season alone, he netted 28 goals in 36 games, establishing himself as one of the most effective strikers in the Pro League. The transfer comes as Al Hilal recently bolstered their attacking options, with the acquisition Darwin Núñez as a marquee signing, making Mitrović’s services less essential at this time according to reports.

IMPACT AT AL HILAL AND AL RAYYAN’S HOPES

Mitrović leaves an Al Hilal side that dominated the league two seasons ago, winning the title with games to spare, before finishing as runner-ups last season. They also featured in the FIFA Club World Cup, where they moved to the quarterfinals after a stunning 4-3 victory against Manchester City in a match that showcased their competitive edge. His arrival at Al Rayyan is seen as a major move for the Qatari club, who finished fifth in the Qatar Stars League last season, 18 points behind the champions. Al Rayyan are looking to compete at the top, and Mitrović’s stunning form could be pivotal to their ambitions. The Serbian is also his country’s all-time leading scorer, with 100 caps to date, and is now the most high-profile signing in Qatar this summer.

WHAT COMES NEXT FOR MITROVIĆ AND BOTH CLUBS?

Mitrović could make his debut for Al Rayyan in the Ooredoo Cup next week, and his first full appearance could come against a familiar foe in Igor Tudor, whose Al Gharafa side sit third in the league. The club might also consider dipping into the transfer market in January, following Sebastian Driussi’s recent move to Young Boys. Al Hilal, meanwhile, are preparing for the upcoming AFC Champions League group stage and remain favorites to defend their domestic title, with reports indicating that they aim to reclaim their previous championship status in the 2023-24 season as they enhance their squad. For Mitrović, the challenge is simple: keep up his elite goal-scoring pace and help Al Rayyan close the gap at the top.