Just one year after choosing Saudi Arabia, Théo Hernandez is already starting to look to the future. The French left-back had nevertheless signed a long-term contract with Al-Hilal, convinced by a new sporting, family and financial challenge after a remarkable adventure under the colors of AC Milan. Arriving during the summer of 2025 with the ambition of discovering a championship in full expansion, the French international had agreed to turn an important page in his career. But this experience, as lucrative as it was, does not seem to have completely met his expectations. At almost 29 years old, Théo Hernandez still believes he has several years at the highest level ahead of him and no longer hides his desire to return to the big European stages. His participation in the World Cup also reinforced this belief. Despite his departure from the Old Continent, Didier Deschamps retained his confidence in him, convinced that the defender could still bring his explosiveness, his power and his experience to the highest level.
On the sidelines of the 2026 World Cup, Théo Hernandez had also opened a very clear door regarding the rest of his career. In an interview given to Marcathe Frenchman explained that his adventure in Saudi Arabia was not necessarily a definitive destination. “It’s not final. I hope to come back and play in Europe one day. I signed a three-year contract in Saudi Arabia and I’m delighted with it. Afterwards, I don’t know what will happen, but I hope to come back to Europe.”he confided. A statement which quickly fueled questions about his future while his contract with Al-Hilal still runs until 2028. The former Real Madrid player also spoke of his attachment to Spain and his regret at not having been able to fully express his potential in his native country. “When I arrived at Real Madrid, I was very young, and the best option was Milan. I had a great time there, it was my home”he explained, while suggesting that a return to La Liga could one day represent a possibility. His choice to join Al-Hilal had been carefully considered with those around him, but the idea of a return to the European summit now seems to be gaining ground.
Juventus and asset Massara
According to information from Tuttosportthis desire to find Europe could even accelerate in the coming months. The Italian media claims that Théo Hernandez would have offered his services to Juventus, who are seriously studying this opportunity. The Frenchman would have notably requested his former close collaborator Ricky Massara, now involved in the Turin project, he who had played an important role in his arrival at AC Milan in 2019 alongside Paolo Maldini. A strong relationship had been built between the two men, with mutual trust born during the rebirth of the left back in the Rossonero jersey. Today, Massara could be a decisive element in a possible return of the French international to Serie A. Al-Hilal would no longer consider the player to be totally indispensable and would be ready to study an exit if a concrete proposal arrived, including in the form of a loan. Note that Tuttosport adds that Napoli would also be on the case, while Atlético de Madrid is mentioned in the columns of La Stampa. For his part, the Frenchman would have made it known that he was ready to return to a more competitive environment in order to pursue his sporting ambition.
Juventus, which seeks to strengthen its left side, is not indifferent to the profile of Théo Hernandez. His impressive statistics during his time at Milan speak for him with 195 appearances, 31 goals and 27 assists in Serie A. Exceptional figures for a defender who had quickly changed dimensions in Italy, becoming one of the best full-backs in the championship. The Turin club appreciates its offensive impact, its ability to repeat efforts and its experience of major European events. But several obstacles remain to be overcome, notably the salary question. Juventus wishes to maintain a strict policy and does not want to upset its financial balance. Théo Hernandez will probably have to accept a significant effort if he wishes to return to Italy. The potential departure of Andrea Cambiaso could also open a door, even if the file remains complex. For the moment, the Frenchman is waiting for an opportunity capable of relaunching his European career. After a golden break in Saudi Arabia, he now seems determined to return to the heights of world football.
