Paris, France – Paris St-Germain (PSG) have reached an agreement to offload Brazilian forward Neymar to Saudi Pro League powerhouse Al-Hilal in a deal reportedly valued at approximately 90 million euros (£77.6 million), with additional add-ons.
The completion of the transfer is contingent upon the 31-year-old successfully undergoing a medical examination and fulfilling all requisite documentation.
Neymar’s departure from PSG marks the conclusion of a stint that began when he became the most expensive footballer in history, joining the French club for a record-breaking fee of £200 million in 2017. In the aftermath of the recent seismic shift, Neymar was notably omitted from PSG’s lineup during the Ligue 1 draw against Lorient over the weekend, a move signaling his exclusion from Coach Luis Enrique’s strategic plans for the upcoming season.
The divestiture of Neymar aligns with PSG’s strategic shift away from the ‘Galacticos’ era of high-profile acquisitions commanding substantial transfer fees and significant wages. This approach also coincides with the departure of another football legend, Lionel Messi, who exited the club earlier this summer.
Noteworthy financial considerations are at play as well. Neymar was believed to be earning an annual salary of approximately 25 million euros (£21.6 million) during his tenure with the French side. However, reports indicate that his new deal with Al-Hilal will see him receive an annual salary of 150 million euros (£129.2 million), a substantial increase that demonstrates the league’s ambition to attract marquee players.
During his time at PSG, Neymar made 173 appearances and played a pivotal role in the club’s success, contributing to 13 trophy wins, which included five Ligue 1 titles. His impact extended to the international stage, with PSG reaching the 2020 Champions League final under his guidance.
However, Neymar’s tenure in France was also marred by a series of ankle injuries, which intermittently hindered his contributions on the pitch. He recently recovered from a surgery in March that led to his absence from the remainder of the season, resuming training only in July.
The Brazilian forward departure signifies the continuation of an eventful summer transfer window that has seen several high-profile players making their way to the Saudi Pro League. Notable names such as Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Jordan Henderson, Ruben Neves, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino have all joined Saudi clubs in recent months.
Neymar’s move also underscores the league’s commitment to strengthening its global standing and attracting renowned talent. As the Saudi Pro League continues to make substantial investments in acquiring top-tier players, it has succeeded in reshaping the landscape of football transfers and emerging as a prominent player in the international football arena.
