Just as Xabi Alonso gets to grips with his new squad, familiar agent politics are threatening to disrupt Chelsea’s summer transfer plans.
Pedro Neto returns to Chelsea following Portugal’s 2026 World Cup run under a cloud of transfer speculation.
His situation directly impacts Xabi Alonso’s plans, as Chelsea’s right-wing options are undergoing a major shift. You’ve got Estevao Willian already at the club, plus Geovany Quenda, who can also play on the right, pushing for minutes, so his starting place isn’t guaranteed.
However, Chelsea currently have no desire to sell Neto, but they would listen to a serious offer, as is the case when it comes to pretty much any player.
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Pedro Neto has been offered to Al Hilal
According to journalist Gianluigi Longari, Chelsea‘s Pedro Neto has also been offered to Al Hilal by his agent Jorge Mendes.
It seems as if Mendes is actively testing the waters across Saudi Arabia to engineer a lucrative payday, potentially leaving Xabi Alonso facing the unwanted task of reshaping his attacking plans late in the window.
While Chelsea aren’t actively pushing the winger toward the exit door, the lure of Middle Eastern money could tempt all parties if an official proposal lands. Especially after seeing Crysencio Summerville agree to join Al Hilal for around £60 million this summer.
Al Hilal’s previous business with Chelsea
Chelsea and Al Hilal share a brief transfer history, largely built during the summer of 2023 when Saudi Pro League clubs targeted top European talent.
The standout deal between the two sides saw defender Kalidou Koulibaly make a permanent £17 million move to Riyadh after just one season at Stamford Bridge. Al Hilal also submitted ambitious proposals for striker Romelu Lukaku that same summer, though the Belgian ultimately declined.
But one thing that is for certain is that money is no issue for the Saudi club, so don’t rule out another.
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