The Socceroos defender took to Instagram to bid an emotional farewell to Red Star fans, after a successful season that saw Degenek shine in the club’s short lived UEFA Champions League campaign.

The Saudi powerhouses have reportedly activated a near-$5 million release clause in the Australian’s contract at the Serbian champions, with Degenek set to join the club immediately after Australia’s Asian Cup campaign.

"I'm very happy and very honoured to be part of a big club," Degenek said in an Al-Hilal video.

"The biggest club in Asia - I'm looking forward to seeing all the fans, meeting all my teammates."

Rumours of the transfer have been following Degenek since before the Asian Cup began, with an element of controversy due to the perceived drop in quality between the Serbian top light and the Saudi professional league. 

Al-Hilal were awarded the 'Asian Club of the Century' award by the International Federation of Football History Statistics, are two-time Asian Champions League winners and boast the likes of Bafetimbi Gomis and Omar Abduhlrahman on their books.