Neymar Joins Saudi Club Al Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain
Neymar has completed a switch from Paris Saint-Germain to Saudi Arabia, joining Al Hilal for a reported £80m fee. The 31-year-old Brazilian forward says his move was motivated by his desire to ‘be a global player’ and take on ‘new challenges and opportunities in new places’ as he joins the Saudi Pro League.
Neymar will be earning an eye-watering £129.4 million per year at his new club, where he has signed a two-year deal. The forward did not mention the cash he will be pocketing for his switch to Saudi, but says it is the excitement of taking on a new league in a different part of the world that drove him to make the move.
‘I have achieved a lot in Europe and enjoyed special times, but I have always wanted to be a global player and test myself with new challenges and opportunities in new places,’ said Neymar. ‘I want to write new sporting history, and the Saudi Pro League has tremendous energy and quality players at the moment. I have heard a lot and learned that I am following a long list of Brazilian players who have played in Saudi Arabia over the years, so I believe it is the desired place.’
Al Hilal have made several big signings this summer, including Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Kalidou Koulibaly and Malcom. Neymar is looking forward to joining them and playing in front of Al Hilal’s passionate fans.
‘Al-Hilal is a giant club with fantastic fans, and it is the best in Asia. This gives me a feeling that it is the right decision for me at the right time with the right club,’ said Neymar. ‘I love winning and scoring goals, and I plan to continue doing that in Saudi Arabia and with Al-Hilal.’
Neymar’s move to Al Hilal is the latest in a long line of high profile transfers to the Saudi Pro League, with players such as David Beckham, Ronaldinho and Gabriel Batistuta having all played in the country in recent years.
The transfer window in Saudi Arabia is still open until September 15th, so there could be more big names joining Neymar at Al Hilal before then.
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