Newcastle United favourite has contract terminated by PIF club – surprise transfer imminent
Aleksandar Mitrović Leaves Al-Hilal After Contract Termination and Heads to Qatar
Aleksandar Mitrović’s time in Saudi Arabia has come to a sudden end, with the Serbian striker parting ways with Al-Hilal after the termination of his contract. In a surprising twist, the former Newcastle United and Fulham forward is now set to continue his career in Qatar, where he is expected to sign for Al-Rayyan.
Mitrović initially swapped the Premier League for the Saudi Pro League in the summer of 2023, leaving Fulham in a blockbuster £50 million move. At the time, his transfer was seen as a statement signing for the Gulf nation, which had already attracted a host of global stars from Europe’s top leagues.
A prolific spell in Saudi Arabia
Despite doubts about how he would adapt to football in the Middle East, Mitrović wasted no time in making his mark. He finished his debut campaign with an astonishing 28 goals in 28 league appearances, quickly establishing himself as one of the Saudi Pro League’s deadliest finishers. His influence extended into continental competition too, netting eight goals in ten AFC Champions League outings.
The following season proved just as productive. Across all competitions in 2024/25, the striker struck 32 times, with 19 of those goals coming in just 23 league fixtures. His form was a continuation of the ruthless finishing that had defined his career in England, particularly at Fulham, where he had been regarded as one of the Championship’s most clinical forwards.
Tensions and a sudden exit
However, behind the scenes, Mitrović’s relationship with Al-Hilal began to deteriorate during the summer. Reports suggested he was unsettled and eager for a new challenge. For a brief period, speculation linked him with a sensational return to the Premier League, with Manchester United reportedly considering him as a stopgap solution during their striker hunt. Ultimately, United turned their attention elsewhere, sealing a move for young talent Benjamin Šeško instead.
With no resolution in sight, Al-Hilal – owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund – decided to cut ties, terminating Mitrović’s contract. This abrupt decision opened the door for Al-Rayyan to swoop in, securing the 30-year-old on a free transfer.
Romano confirms the deal
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news on X, writing:
“Al-Rayyan agree deal to sign Aleksandar Mitrović from Al Hilal, here we go! Permanent move as Mitrović contract has been terminated, ready for new chapter in Qatar.”
At Al-Rayyan, Mitrović will reunite with a familiar Premier League face in former Leeds United striker Rodrigo. He will also be working under Portuguese coach Artur Jorge, previously of Braga and Botafogo. For Mitrović, Al-Rayyan will be the sixth club of his professional career, adding another chapter to a journey that has taken him from Belgrade to Belgium, England, Saudi Arabia, and now Qatar.
Career highs and Fulham legacy
Although remembered fondly by Newcastle United supporters more for his fiery personality than his scoring record – just 17 goals in 72 appearances – Mitrović’s career truly flourished at Fulham. After a short but impactful loan spell in 2017/18 where he scored 12 goals in 17 games, the Cottagers signed him permanently.
His time at Craven Cottage was defined by extraordinary Championship seasons. In 2019/20, he bagged 26 goals to fire Fulham back into the Premier League, and two years later he broke records by netting 43 goals in a single Championship campaign. His exploits helped Fulham bounce between the top two divisions, and his 14 goals in 24 Premier League matches during the 2022/23 season secured his reputation as a striker who could deliver at the highest level.
A national hero for Serbia
Beyond club football, Mitrović has cemented his place in Serbian football history. In March 2021, he overtook Stjepan Bobek to become Serbia’s all-time leading goalscorer, reaching 39 international goals at just 26 years old. Since then, he has extended that tally to 62 goals in 100 caps, achieving his century of appearances in June 2025 during a 3-0 win over Andorra – a game in which he also wore the captain’s armband.
A new chapter in Qatar
Now, as Mitrović prepares to embark on his latest adventure with Al-Rayyan, he will bring with him a wealth of experience, a reputation as a natural finisher, and a hunger to continue proving himself on new stages. For Qatar football fans, the arrival of one of Europe’s most feared forwards in recent years is a major coup, while for Mitrović, it represents both a fresh challenge and perhaps the final big move of his career.