Chelsea winger Pedro Neto is reportedly facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge after his agent, Jorge Mendes, allegedly offered him to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal during the summer transfer window.
According to a report by The Chelsea Chronicle published on July 25, 2026, the development could present Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso with an unexpected transfer dilemma as he continues to shape his squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
Neto returned to Chelsea after representing Portugal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but speculation surrounding his future has continued despite the club’s preparations for the upcoming campaign.
Although the Portuguese international remains part of Alonso’s plans, competition for places in Chelsea’s attack has intensified following the club’s summer recruitment.
Chelsea currently possess several players capable of operating on the right flank, including highly rated youngsters Estevao Willian and Geovany Quenda.
Their arrival and development have increased competition for starting positions, meaning Neto may have to battle for regular playing time under the club’s new head coach.
Despite reports linking the winger with a possible departure, Chelsea are not actively seeking to sell him during the current transfer window.
However, the club is reportedly prepared to consider any significant offer should one be submitted, a stance that mirrors its approach toward several other first-team players this summer.
According to transfer journalist Gianluigi Longari, Neto’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has offered the Portugal international to Al Hilal as he explores potential opportunities for the winger in the Saudi Pro League.
The reported move has fueled fresh uncertainty over Neto’s future, even though Chelsea have not indicated any desire to part ways with the player.
Should Al Hilal decide to formalize their interest with an official bid, Chelsea would face an important decision regarding one of their experienced attacking options.
For Alonso, Neto’s possible departure could complicate preparations for the new season.
While Chelsea boast considerable attacking depth, losing the Portuguese winger would remove one of the squad’s most experienced wide players and reduce the manager’s options in the final third.
The Spaniard is currently assessing his squad as he prepares for his first full campaign in charge, making stability within the dressing room an important objective ahead of the start of the season.
Al Hilal have emerged as one of the most ambitious clubs in the Saudi Pro League, continuing their aggressive recruitment strategy by targeting established European players.
The club has demonstrated its financial strength in recent transfer windows by securing several high-profile signings and offering lucrative contracts capable of attracting elite talent from Europe’s top leagues.
Because of that financial capability, reports suggest Al Hilal cannot be ruled out if they decide to pursue Neto with a formal offer.
Chelsea and the Saudi club have previously completed transfer business.
In 2023, defender Kalidou Koulibaly left Stamford Bridge to join Al Hilal in a deal reportedly worth £17 million after spending just one season with the Blues.
Al Hilal also attempted to sign striker Romelu Lukaku during the same period, although the Belgian ultimately declined the move.
Those previous dealings illustrate the established relationship between the two clubs and could potentially facilitate future negotiations if Al Hilal decide to intensify their interest in Neto.
For now, however, Chelsea’s position remains unchanged.
The club is not actively pushing the winger toward an exit, and Neto continues to be considered part of Alonso’s plans while preparations for the new campaign continue.
Nevertheless, the reported involvement of Mendes has added another layer of uncertainty to Chelsea’s transfer window.
As one of football’s most influential agents, Mendes has been involved in numerous major transfers involving top European clubs and players, making any reported negotiations closely watched across the football world.
Whether Al Hilal will follow up with an official bid remains unclear, but the situation is expected to be monitored closely in the coming weeks.
With the transfer window still open, Chelsea could yet receive approaches for several members of their squad as Alonso continues balancing competition for places with the need to maintain depth across multiple competitions.
The coming weeks are therefore likely to prove significant in determining Neto’s future.
Should the Portuguese international remain at Stamford Bridge, he will face increased competition for a place in Chelsea’s starting lineup but will also have the opportunity to establish himself under Alonso’s new tactical system.
If a suitable offer materializes and all parties reach an agreement, Chelsea may instead be forced to reshape their attacking options before the transfer window closes.
Until then, Neto’s future remains one of several transfer stories surrounding the west London club as preparations continue for the start of the new season.
