The deal is done! PSG legend Neymar Jr has signed for Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal in one of the biggest transfers in recent times. The Brazilian forward joins the club on a two-year deal after undergoing medicals on Monday. The 31-year-old had interest from former club Barcelona, but given their financial constraints, moved to Saudi, joining the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane in the Middle East.
The transfer is part of PSG’s reshuffle, which also saw Lionel Messi move to Inter Miami. Neymar had three years left on his £25 million-a-year contract at Parc des Princes. As per reports, the Ligue 1 champions will receive close to 100m euros. PSG had made the Brazilian ace the most expensive transfer ever, signing him for 222 million euros from Barcelona.
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PSG had made it clear that Neymar was not part of new coach Luis Enrique’s plans. Incidentally, it was Enrique who unleashed the famed MSN (Messi – Suarez – Neymar) trio at Barcelona. However, now the Spaniard has no plans for the Brazilian as the club shuns their Galacticos approach.
Neymar has made 173 appearances for Ligue 1 giants in five years. He helped PSG win 13 trophies, including five Ligue 1 titles, as well as reaching the 2020 Champions League final. However, his time in the French capital has often been marred by injury. The fans also ran out of patience, protesting in front of his house earlier this year.
Saudi Exodus continues
Neymar’s move to Saudi Arabia is the latest high-profile transfer to the Gulf nation. With the Public Investment Fund (PIF) investing heavily in four clubs, a huge stream of European elite have made the move. Ballon d’Or winners Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema ply their trade in the SPL, with N’Golo Kante, Sadio Mane, Ruben Neves and now Neymar joining the league. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibally and Malcolm have all joined Al-Hilal alongside Neymar this summer.
