The Italian defender Alessandro Bastoni received an offer that shook the world of the transfer market. The coach Simone Inzaghi, with the authorization of the Saudi Club to Hilal, personally contacted sticks to try to convince him to move to the Saudi Pro League. An offer that has exceeded all expectations, so much so that the proposed salary could even be higher than that of two world football giants such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, both known for millionaire contracts that bind them to the Arab clubs.
Al Hilal’s interest in sticks is not a surprise, considering the growing reputation of the Saudi Pro League, which is trying to attract the best talents of international football. After the arrivals of Ronaldo and Benzema, Saudi Arabia has invested significantly to enhance its championship and launched pharaonic offers to grab world players. In this context, the offer for sticks was one of the most relevant, given that Inter defender is considered one of the best talents in circulation in his role.
Despite the incredible proposal, Bastoni responded firmly, refusing the offer. His response has aroused a large debate in the media, not only for the astronomical figure involved, but also for the implications that such a refusal could have for the future of international football. Sticons, who has always shown a strong attachment to his current club, Inter, said he wants to continue playing in Italy, preferring the challenge of competing in the European alloys rather than moving to a less competitive championship.
The news has gone around the world, with many experts who praised the defender’s decision to remain faithful to his principles, despite the possibility of enormous earnings. This refusal could also send an important signal to all those players who are taking into consideration the Saudi option: money is not always the main motivation for a footballer.
Beyond financial speculations, the case of sticks shows how much football is a world in which personal decisions, sports ambitions and ties with clubs play a fundamental role. Although Al Hilal’s offer was unprecedented, the choice of sticks to stay in Europe makes it clear that, for some players, the passion for football and the desire for higher challenges remain priority compared to the economic aspects.
