Renan Lodi Ends Contract with Al-Hilal and Returns to Brazil

Renan Lodi has ended his contract with Al-Hilal and returned to Brazil after his representatives declared the deal terminated. The split comes after weeks of failed discussions and Lodi’s exclusion from the club’s main squad.

REASON FOR CONTRACT TERMINATION

Renan Lodi decided to leave Al-Hilal after being left out of the registered squad for the 2025/26 season. His legal team sent a declaration to the team that said his deal was instantly terminated due to current rules limiting foreign players and his lack of playing time. In interviews, he explained that his lawyer told him he could not be prevented from practicing his profession. He has now arrived in Curitiba and is looking at options for his next step.

WHY IT MATTERS

Lodi’s contract termination could prove costly for him. He risks legal challenges from Al-Hilal, who invested £23 million (US $28m) in him just last year. The club have already said they will take legal action to protect their rights, potentially escalating the dispute to Fifa. Lodi’s experience highlights the growing challenges in Saudi Arabia where the rules around foreign players mean there are strict limits. Clubs often face difficult choices, with some leaving star internationals out of regular football.

WHAT NEXT FOR RENAN LODI?

Al-Hilal will be keen to get the matter resolved so they can focus on their next game against Al-Ittihad on Sunday. Lodi is already fielding interest from Brazil, Asia and Europe. His former club Atletico Madrid and city neighbours Real Madrid are reportedly interested, while he already attracted interest from Chelsea in 2027.

Al-Hilal, meanwhile, are involved in a big tussle at the top of the table with Al-Wahda and Al-Ittihad. They will face the latter in a crucial top-of-the-table clash this weekend. They also remain in the King Cup and AFC Champions League, facing Al-Ahli in the domestic cup next week and South Korean side Ulsan Hyundai in the continental showpiece later this month. That includes a two-legged semi-final in the AFC Champions League this month, with the match against South Korean side Ulsan Hyundai.