According to Sky Sports, former Newcastle striker Alexander Mitrovic has told relatives that he won’t play for Fulham again if they price him out of a move to Al Hilal.
The Serbian international is a top target for the Saudi Pro League side and is clearly keen on the move, but the Cottagers are attempting to ward off any interest by placing a £52m price-tag on his head.
Mitrovic, who spent two-and-a-half years on Tyneside, enjoyed his most prolific Premier League season last year with 14 goals in 24 games.
However, it seems the 28-year-old is determined to make the leap to Saudi Arabia to join a number of former Premier League stars. As a result, Sky Sports say he’s “angry” and had to be convinced to join their pre-season tour, leaving Fulham in an awkward position with just over three weeks left until the new season kicks off.
With huge money on offer and a chance to link up with Serbia teammate Sergej Milinković-Savić, it’ll be interesting to see how this one pans out after Al-Hilal’s opening two offers came in around the £25-35m mark.
This is the man who, on signing a new contract with Fulham in 2021 said “I’m home, and I’m happy that I’m staying home for the next five years”.
If he doesn’t want to play they can’t make him. But they can send him to play with the kids for the remaining 3 years of his contract.
This whole temper tantrum situation has to be managed carefully. They’re spoiled enough with the money. They can’t give them the power too.
Rob Brown(Quote)