Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal FC have completed the high-profile signing of Brazil forward Neymar from French champions Paris St-Germain (PSG). The transfer, marking a significant development in the football landscape, is understood to have a total value of approximately 90 million euros (£77.6 million), including various add-ons.
Neymar, renowned for his stints at Barcelona and PSG, had initially made a record-breaking move to PSG in 2017 for a world-record fee of £200 million. However, his recent exclusion from PSG’s squad for a Ligue 1 draw against Lorient, coupled with his absence from Coach Luis Enrique’s plans for the new season, signaled his departure from the French club.
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The move aligns with PSG’s strategic shift away from the era of acquiring high-profile players for substantial fees and substantial wages, in line with their broader team-building approach. This approach was further emphasized by the departure of Lionel Messi earlier this summer.
In a video shared across the club’s social media platforms, Neymar expressed his excitement about his new chapter, stating, “I am here in Saudi Arabia, I am Hilali.”
While Neymar’s earnings at PSG were reportedly around 25 million euros (£21.6 million) annually, his new contract with Al-Hilal will see a substantial increase, with an annual salary of 150 million euros (£129.2 million) over a two-year period.
Neymar’s tenure at PSG, spanning 173 appearances, yielded impressive achievements, including 13 trophies, notably five Ligue 1 titles and a runner-up finish in the 2020 UEFA Champions League final.
Nasser Al-Khelaifi, President and Chief Executive of PSG, acknowledged Neymar’s contribution to the club’s journey, stating, “It is always difficult to say goodbye to an amazing player like Neymar, one of the best players in the world… and what he has contributed to our club and our project over the last six years.”
Neymar’s time at PSG was also marred by recurring ankle injuries, leading to multiple periods of recovery. Despite these challenges, his departure signifies a transition for both the player and the club.
This high-profile move follows a recent trend of significant signings in the Saudi Pro League, with prominent footballers including Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Jordan Henderson, Ruben Neves, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino joining Saudi clubs. Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portugal superstar, had also made the move to Saudi Arabia in January.
As the Saudi Pro League continues to attract top-tier talent, the league’s ambition to establish itself as a premier global competition remains a central focus, shaping the future of football on an international stage.
