Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal has secured a sensational transfer of Brazilian forward Neymar from French champions Paris St-Germain (PSG).
The blockbuster deal, reportedly worth approximately 90 million euros (£77.6 million) plus add-ons, marks a significant move in the football world.
Neymar, renowned for his stint at Barcelona, joined PSG in 2017 for a world-record fee of £200 million.
However, his time at PSG came to a close as he was left out of their squad for the Ligue 1 draw against Lorient on Saturday.
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The 31-year-old’s departure aligns with PSG’s strategic shift away from the era of high-profile signings and significant wages, following Lionel Messi’s departure earlier in the summer.
The forward’s move to Al-Hilal was announced through a video posted on the club’s social media platforms.
In the video, Neymar declared, “I am here in Saudi Arabia, I am Hilali.”
While Neymar was reportedly earning an annual income of around 25 million euros (£21.6 million) at PSG, he is set to receive a substantial increase in Saudi Arabia.
It is reported that he will be paid 150 million euros (£129.2 million) per year, signifying a considerable financial boost.
His two-year contract with Al-Hilal is expected to provide a significant salary upgrade.
Throughout his tenure at PSG, Neymar made 173 appearances and played a pivotal role in securing numerous trophies for the club.
His contributions led to 13 titles, including five Ligue 1 championships, and a memorable appearance in the 2020 Champions League final.
Reflecting on Neymar’s departure, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, PSG’s president and chief executive, acknowledged the significance of his impact on the club. Al-Khelaifi stated, “It is always difficult to say goodbye to an amazing player like Neymar, one of the best players in the world. I will never forget the day he arrived at Paris St-Germain and what he has contributed to our club and our project over the last six years.”
