AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed left-back Theo Hernandez has decided to leave the club for Al-Hilal.

Hernandez has been a key player for the Rossoneri since joining from Real Madrid in 2019 and has recently served as vice-captain of the club.

The France international has made 262 appearances for Milan in all competitions, scoring 34 goals and supplying 41 assists, while contributing to 70 clean sheets.

Hernandez helped Milan win their 19th Scudetto under Stefano Pioli in 2021-22, and after they finished a disappointing eighth in 2024-25, returning coach Allegri wanted him to play a central role in his plans.

However, reports have suggested the 27-year-old is close to joining Simone Inzaghi's Al-Hilal, and Allegri confirmed he was set to depart on Monday.

Asked about Hernandez's future at a press conference, Allegri said: "Theo has made a different choice, he is a great player and I wish him the best of luck."

Allegri was then asked whether Milan would look to sign a replacement for Hernandez, but he intends to give existing left-backs Alex Jimenez and Davide Bartesaghi a chance to stake a claim.

"I repeat, I don't talk about the market. We have Jimenez and Bartesaghi as full-backs and for now, we will work with them," Allegri said.

"Then the club and the sporting director will have time and a way to fix things. The central defenders are good. 

"[Strahinja] Pavlovic has room for improvement, as well as [Fikayo] Tomori and [Malick] Thiaw. [Matteo] Gabbia is an exemplary boy in terms of behaviour and manners. I'm happy."

Milan will face Arsenal, Liverpool, Perth Glory, Leeds United and Chelsea in pre-season friendlies before taking on Bari in the Coppa Italia on August 17, in the first competitive game of Allegri's second spell in charge.