Al-Hilal CEO: ‘Inzaghi negotiation complicated over Inter bond’ | OneFootball

The CEO of Al-Hilal admits negotiations to hire Simone Inzaghi were ‘complicated’ because he ‘was very fond of Inter.’

The Italian tactician eventually made the decision to walk away after four years with the Nerazzurri, signing a lucrative contract with the Saudi Pro League side.

It was reported to be worth €30m in wages per season, plus a signing-on bonus of €5m.

“It was a complicated negotiation process, but we are very happy because we signed a world class coach, among the best in the world, with a proven success rate and who always got the best out of a squad that was not necessarily packed with great players,” Al-Hilal CEO Esteve Calzada told Spanish newspaper Marca.

“He didn’t win the Champions League, but he did reach the Final twice in three years.”

Inzaghi kept Al-Hilal waiting

epa12148298 Inter head coach Simone Inzaghi walks past the trophy after losing the UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Internazionale Milano, in Munich, Germany, 31 May 2025. EPA-EFE/ANNA SZILAGYI

Although Al-Hilal were confident for weeks beforehand that they had got Inzaghi, he only made a decision after the 5-0 Champions League Final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

“What slowed down and complicated the process was that he had to think about it, as he was very fond of Inter, and especially the timing. With all due respect, he asked us to let him concentrate on the Champions League Final, to make a decision afterwards.

“It was not a long process, though. We were very clear that Simone Inzaghi was our first choice. What surprised me in a positive way was the level of coaches who offered their services to us and wanted to come to Al-Hilal, who we would’ve considered if we had not been able to secure Simone.”

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 18: Simone Inzaghi, Head Coach of FC Internazionale, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 18, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Inzaghi spent four years at Inter, winning one Serie A title, two editions of the Coppa Italia and three Italian Super Cups.

He also reached two Champions League Finals, losing to Manchester City in 2023 and Paris Saint-Germain in 2025.