Carlos Eduardo’s glorious five-year Al Hilal stint is set to imminently end after the continued failure to agree a contract extension forced coach Razvan Lucescu to demand a new foreign addition, according to reports.
Eduardo, 30, has become a legend at King Saud University Stadium since a July 2015 switch from Porto. A tally of 53 goals in 90 Saudi Professional League appearances helped the attacking midfielder become the club’s all-time foreign top scorer and seven major trophies have been lifted during his stint.
Arriyadiyah newspaper, however, have stated that the Brazilian’s financial demands have scuppered hopes of a renewal to a deal that is set to expire this month. Club management have aimed to limit changes to their seven-player non-Saudi quota because of coronavirus’ impact, but this impasse is influencing Lucescu to desire a direct replacement.
iG Esporte reported last month that a quartet of major Brazilian clubs (Corinthians, Jorge Jesus’ Flamengo, Gremio and Athletico Paranaense) had expressed interest.
Arriyadiyah have also published consistent links to 2020 ACL group-stage opponents Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club. The player himself was non-committal when quizzed by the same publication earlier this month.
“I have two months left in my contract with Al Hilal, and I will wait until the last day, then I will make a decision regarding my future in respect of the club and my contract that applies to him,” he said.
Overtures from Al Ahli Jeddah have been discussed, while outfits from the Qatar Stars League and Turkey’s Super Lig linger.
The 2019/20 top flight was postponed on March 14 in a bid to curb the pandemic’s spread. A resumption date of August 20 has been proposed.
Hilal hold a six-point lead over champions Al Nassr with eight fixtures in arrears.
