Al-Hilal have identified Luis Diaz as their marquee summer signing, with the Saudi Pro League club preparing an audacious bid that could shatter the division's transfer record. The Colombian winger, currently at Bayern Munich, sits atop the club's priority list as they look to build on their recruitment drive that has already brought Crysencio Summerville from West Ham United.
According to reliable transfer correspondent Sacha Tavolieri, Al-Hilal's approach follows a calculated strategy. Rather than immediately approaching Bayern Munich, the club aims to secure Diaz's personal agreement first. To convince the former Liverpool star, Al-Hilal are offering an annual salary of 25 million euros, a figure that underscores their financial ambition. Only once the player commits will negotiations shift to the Bavarian club, with Al-Hilal prepared to lodge a transfer fee between 120 and 150 million dollars.
Record-Breaking Ambitions in Saudi Football
If completed at the upper end of their valuation, this deal would eclipse the previous Saudi Pro League transfer record. Al-Hilal's 90 million euro acquisition of Neymar in summer 2023 currently stands as the benchmark, a threshold that Diaz's move would significantly exceed. The scale of investment reflects the club's determination to establish themselves as continental heavyweights and challenge for Asian Champions League honours.
Crucially, Al-Hilal have allocated a staggering 350 million dollar budget for the summer window, meaning the Diaz pursuit represents just one component of their broader recruitment strategy. This substantial war chest suggests additional signings remain likely, even if negotiations with Bayern succeed. The club has already secured six players this transfer window, including defensive reinforcements and midfield depth.
Richard Hughes, Liverpool's sporting director, is orchestrating these negotiations before assuming his role at Al-Hilal following the transfer deadline. His involvement signals the Saudi club's intent to leverage elite football knowledge in constructing a competitive squad. Whether Diaz ultimately makes the switch to Saudi Arabia will determine whether Al-Hilal achieves their headline target or redirects funds toward alternative attacking options before window closure.
