TBR Football understands that Aleksandar Mitrovic opted not to return to English football in August after agreeing a deal to leave the Saudi Pro League.
Mitrovic has departed Al-Hilal after agreeing upon a mutual termination of his contract and he has now agreed terms on a move to Qatar with Al-Rayyan.
The 30-year-old, though, did have the chance to move back to the Premier League – two years after he departed England for Saudi.
TBR Football revealed at the start of August that Mitrovic was offered to Sunderland, Leeds and West Ham United.
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Sources informed TBR Football that he was offered deals to return to the Premier League but we understand that the moves were not right for Mitrovic to accept at this stage of his career.
Exclusive: Aleksandar Mitrovic wants to preserve his Fulham legacy
According to TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, the driving force behind the Serbian’s rejection was that he did not wish to damage his relationship with the Fulham supporters.
Bailey states: “I am told that Mitrovic listened to the options put to him, but in many ways he was unsure about coming back due to the impact it might have on his Fulham legacy – we can’t underestimate just how much he loved his time at Craven Cottage.
“He did consider it, but they were not quite right for him at this point, but I would not rule out a return at some point.”
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Mitrovic left Craven Cottage for Al-Hilal in 2023 and won the Saudi Pro League in his first season. And although a return to England could be on the cards in the future, he is set to continue his career in Qatar with Darwin Nunez arriving at Al-Hilal as his direct replacement.
The decision will have been a huge blow for Leeds United and West Ham United, both of whom sought to sign a new centre forward in the summer transfer window.
TBR Football revealed West Ham wanted Joao Felix on loan from Chelsea as they pursued alternatives to Mitrovic, whereas Leeds expressed interest in Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz.
Furthermore, Manchester United were reportedly eyeing Mitrovic before they signed Benjamin Sesko, further emphasising that his stock has not fallen since he left the Premier League.
How many goals did Aleksandar Mitrovic score for Fulham and Al-Hilal?
The 30-year-old saw his career stall at Newcastle United after he burst onto the European scene at Belgian giants Anderlecht.
Mitrovic rediscovered his goalscoring touch in West London and never looked back – he ranks as the sixth top goalscorer in Fulham’s history.
Statistics provided by Transfermarkt.
Mitrovic recorded more goal contributions than matches played in Saudi Arabia, as he truly earned the lucrative wages he was reportedly earning at Al-Hilal.
However, his most impressive goalscoring exploits occurred at Craven Cottage. Although he suffered two Premier League relegations with Fulham, he was undoubtedly the leading talisman throughout his five years at the club.