Manchester United Get Green Light to Sign Al-Hilal’s Aleksandar Mitrović in Stunning £40 Million Deal

Manchester United Get Green Light to Sign Al-Hilal’s Aleksandar Mitrović in Stunning £40 Million Deal

 

Manchester United are back in the headlines once again—this time for securing approval to sign Serbian powerhouse Aleksandar Mitrović from Al-Hilal in a surprising £40 million move that is already dividing opinion across the football world. After weeks of speculation linking the Red Devils with various strikers across Europe, the club has now turned its attention to the Middle East to land a proven, physical goal-scorer.

 

With Mitrović giving the green light to return to the Premier League, and Al-Hilal reportedly agreeing to let the striker leave for £40 million, all that remains is for personal terms to be finalized and a medical to be scheduled. If all goes to plan, United could have a new number 9 well before the transfer window truly heats up.

 

The Return of a Familiar Face

 

Aleksandar Mitrović is no stranger to English football. The Serbian forward spent several years in the Premier League with Newcastle United and Fulham, earning a reputation as one of the most physically dominant and combative strikers in the league. Known for his aerial prowess, relentless aggression, and lethal finishing inside the box, Mitrović was often a nightmare for defenders—particularly in the air.

 

His 2022/23 campaign with Fulham was particularly impressive, where he scored 14 league goals and helped keep the London club well above the relegation zone. After that standout season, however, he shocked the footballing world by moving to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal in a deal that was believed to be worth over £50 million.

 

Now, just a year later, the 29-year-old is ready to return to the European stage—and Manchester United have come calling.

 

Why United Want Mitrović

 

At first glance, the signing may seem unexpected, especially in light of United’s history of targeting younger, high-upside talents. However, this move is clearly rooted in pragmatism and immediate impact.

 

Manchester United struggled for consistent goals last season. While Rasmus Højlund showed flashes of potential, he was too often isolated and lacked a physically dominant partner to alleviate pressure. Injuries to Marcus Rashford and inconsistency in wide areas also limited United’s goal output.

 

Mitrović offers something United have lacked since the days of Zlatan Ibrahimović: a reliable, experienced target man who can bully defenders, score scrappy goals, and create space for quicker, more technical players around him.

 

For manager Erik ten Hag, this signing offers much-needed tactical flexibility. Against teams that sit deep and crowd the penalty area, Mitrović could be the key to unlocking stubborn defenses. His hold-up play, aerial dominance, and old-school striker instincts would offer an entirely different dimension to United’s attack.

 

The Price Tag: Overpay or Strategic Investment?

 

At £40 million, Mitrović doesn’t come cheap—especially considering his age and the perception that he left top-tier European football for a payday in Saudi Arabia. Critics will argue that United are once again overpaying in desperation, especially given the club’s history of making rushed signings under pressure.

 

But this deal may not be as reckless as it looks. First, the price tag reflects both Al-Hilal’s negotiating power and the reality of a post-Saudi boom market, where clubs must pay premiums to lure talent back from the Middle East. Second, United are not just buying goals—they’re buying leadership, presence, and proven Premier League experience.

 

In a squad with many young and developing players, Mitrović’s arrival could provide a stabilizing influence. He’s a known quantity, and there’s no adaptation period needed—he’s already proven in the Premier League and could hit the ground running.

 

Dressing Room and Fan Reactions

 

Initial fan reactions to the move are mixed. Many supporters were hoping for a marquee striker—someone younger, with a higher ceiling, and more global star power. Others, however, see the logic: a short-term fix that adds steel, goals, and attitude to a team that often lacked bite.

 

In the dressing room, sources suggest the deal is already generating intrigue. Mitrović’s no-nonsense personality and fierce competitiveness are well known, and some senior players reportedly see his signing as a sign that the club is ready to compete with more grit.

 

One concern, though, is temperament. Mitrović has a history of disciplinary issues, including a notable ban for pushing a referee during his time at Fulham. Ten Hag will have to manage the striker carefully to ensure that his passion doesn’t boil over into self-destruction.

 

Al-Hilal’s Perspective

 

For Al-Hilal, the sale represents good business. They brought Mitrović in as a marquee acquisition during the Saudi Pro League’s spending spree and got a full season of goals and leadership out of him. While fans in Riyadh may be disappointed to see him go, the club is reportedly eyeing younger South American and African talent to rejuvenate their squad.

 

The £40 million fee will also give Al-Hilal further leverage in the market, especially as they continue to balance international signings with league regulations.

 

Strategic Context: Not the Only Move?

 

Mitrović is unlikely to be the only striker United target this summer. Sources close to Old Trafford suggest that the club is also monitoring several younger attackers to add depth and future planning to the squad.

 

The Mitrović deal, then, could be seen as a bridge signing—a two-season solution while Højlund matures and another long-term target becomes available. United have tried the long-game approach with mixed results; this time, they may be balancing immediate impact with longer-term strategy.

 

There’s also speculation that his signing could be part of a larger shift toward more physically dominant players. With the Premier League becoming increasingly aggressive and transitional, Mitrović fits a growing trend of “power forwards” being valued over purely technical strikers.

 

What Comes Next?

 

With United getting the green light from Al-Hilal and the player already signaling his desire to return to England, all eyes now turn to the final stages of the deal. Personal terms are unlikely to be a stumbling block, given Mitrović’s readiness to play for a club of United’s stature. The medical is expected within days, and if all goes to plan, United could unveil their new striker before pre-season begins.

 

Mitrović is expected to wear the No. 9 shirt—a signal that he’ll play a major role from day one. His integration into the squad will be closely watched, especially as Ten Hag crafts a system that must now accommodate two very different strikers in Højlund and Mitrović.

 

Final Thoughts: Smart Move or Short-Term Gamble?

 

Time will tell whether this is a clever, strategic coup or another in a long list of Manchester United’s controversial signings. On paper, Mitrović brings a lot: goals, experience, presence, and a strong mentality. He knows the league, he knows the pressure, and he thrives in physical battles.

 

Yet, questions remain. Can he stay fit? Can he avoid red cards? Can he adapt to Ten Hag’s more technical demands? And most importantly—will he score enough to justify a £40 million fee?

 

For now, United fans can only hope that the club has pulled off a move that, while not glamorous, could be precisely what the team needs.

 

After all, sometimes it’s not the flashy signings that win you titles—but the brutal, hungry ones.