CORNERFLICK
Simone Inzaghi, the former Inter Milan manager who guided the Nerazzurri to two UEFA Champions League finals, is reportedly considering a return to European football after his spell in Saudi Arabia.
According to respected Italian journalist Nicolò Schira, Inzaghi has decided against extending his contract with Al Hilal and intends to leave Riyadh at the end of the current season. His existing deal with the Saudi Pro League club runs until June 2027.
However, Inzaghi's agent, Federico Pastorello, was quick to dismiss the speculation. Speaking to Saudi media, Pastorello insisted that reports suggesting the Italian coach had already decided to leave Al Hilal were inaccurate, stressing that no decision had been made regarding his future.
Pastorello added that Inzaghi remains fully focused on achieving the club's objectives this season.
Nevertheless, there is growing speculation that Inzaghi has already made up his mind, with his agent's public comments potentially aimed at easing tensions in Riyadh. A Glittering Coaching Record in Italy Inzaghi joined Al Hilal in the summer of 2025, just days after Inter suffered a crushing defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final.
His departure brought an end to a highly successful four-year spell at Inter, during which he won the Serie A title, two Coppa Italia trophies and three Italian Super Cups, while also guiding the club to two Champions League finals.
The Italian opted to embark on a new challenge in the Saudi Pro League, signing a two-year contract that offered both substantial financial rewards and an opportunity to experience a different footballing culture in a rapidly developing league. Mixed Fortunes in Saudi Arabia Inzaghi's tenure at Al Hilal has been marked by a combination of notable achievements and occasional setbacks.
Last season, his side lifted the King's Cup but narrowly missed out on the Saudi Pro League title, losing the championship to Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr on the final day of the campaign.
Despite that disappointment, Inzaghi has overseen several impressive runs of form, including an unbeaten streak of approximately 47 matches that was eventually ended by NEOM in September.
His overall record at Al Hilal remains positive, with the club continuing to compete for honours both domestically and in Asian competitions.
While his achievements have strengthened his reputation in Saudi Arabia, questions remain over whether the Italian sees his long-term future in the Middle East. A Highly Attractive Option for European Clubs A return to European football would represent a logical next step for Inzaghi, particularly given his impressive record in Italy and his experience competing at the highest level of the Champions League.
European football continues to offer the competitive intensity and prestige associated with the game's biggest domestic and continental competitions.
Juventus and Napoli were both linked with the former Inter boss in October, while interest from Premier League clubs cannot be ruled out.
For Inzaghi, the prospect of competing for major European honours could ultimately prove more appealing than the lucrative financial package available in Saudi Arabia.
However, Al Hilal remain determined to build a successful long-term project, and their considerable financial resources could allow them to present the Italian with an improved contract offer.
Pastorello has previously revealed that several Italian clubs make enquiries about Inzaghi's availability every summer, although the coach has so far preferred to remain in Saudi Arabia and assess his options at the end of the season.
Ultimately, Inzaghi's future is likely to depend on several factors, including Al Hilal's performances during the current campaign, the terms of any potential contract extension and the opportunities that emerge in European football.
With his reputation firmly established among Europe's leading coaches, Inzaghi could become one of the most sought-after managerial candidates should he decide to bring his Saudi Arabian adventure to an end.