‘Official’ - Newcastle United-linked midfielder completes £34m move

Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has become the latest high-profile player to move to Saudi Arabia.

The Serbian international has regularly been linked with Newcastle United through agents over the last 18 months, though any interest is thought to have been tentative.

Milinkovic-Savic had established himself as one of Serie A’s best performers - scoring 57 goals in 267 games - but departs Lazio after eight years.

As per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the 28-year-old, who had 12 months remaining on his Lazio contract, has completed his £34m switch.

He tweeted: “Official and confirmed. Sergej Milinkovic Savic joins Al Hilal on €40m permanent deal from Lazio! Al Hilal One of the best Serie A players leave the league to join Saudi side. He’s gonna play with Rúben Neves and Kalidou Koulibaly.”

Since Newcastle United owners the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia gained a 75 per-cent stake in Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, Al Ahil and Al Nassr, several big names have sealed lucrative moves to the Saudi Pro League.

Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante have joined Al Nassr. Al Hilal have signed Ruben Neves and Kalidou Koulibaly, while Edouard Mendy and Roberto Firmino have moved to Al Ahil.

Many more players from Europe’s top leagues are expected to move to the Middle East.