Neymar Completes Move to Al Hilal in Saudi Pro League
Brazilian football star Neymar has finalized his transfer from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal. The move comes after PSG accepted an £80 million ($102 million) bid for the talented forward, who underwent a medical examination on Monday before sealing the deal. Neymar has signed a two-year contract with the Riyadh-based club.
In a statement, Neymar expressed his excitement about the new challenge and opportunity to be a global player. He stated, “I have achieved a lot in Europe and enjoyed special times, but I have always wanted to test myself with new challenges and opportunities in new places. The Saudi Pro League has tremendous energy and quality players at the moment, and I believe it is the desired place for me to write new sporting history.”
Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, President and CEO of Paris Saint-Germain, bid farewell to Neymar and acknowledged his contributions to the club. He said, “It is always difficult to say goodbye to an amazing player like Neymar, one of the best players in the world. We have had great moments, and Neymar will always be a big part of our history. We wish him all the very best for the future and his next adventure.”
Neymar’s departure from PSG was expected as it became clear that he and midfielder Marco Verratti were not part of the club’s plans for the upcoming season under new head coach Luis Enrique. Al Hilal, which was taken over by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund earlier this summer, had previously made a €300 million (£259 million; $332 million) offer for PSG’s Kylian Mbappe.
Neymar joined PSG from Barcelona in 2017 for a record-breaking fee of €222 million. During his time at PSG, he scored 118 goals in 173 matches, but his career at the French club was marred by injuries. He never made more than 22 appearances in a single Ligue 1 season.
The 31-year-old Neymar has also had a successful international career, having made his debut for the Brazilian national team at the age of 17. He is currently Brazil’s joint-all-time top scorer alongside Pele, with 77 goals in 124 games.
Mbappe’s future at PSG has been a subject of speculation throughout the summer. The 24-year-old informed PSG that he would not extend his contract beyond June 2024, prompting the club to put him up for sale to avoid losing him for free next summer. However, PSG recently reversed their decision to exclude Mbappe from first-team training after “very constructive talks.”
Neymar’s move to Al Hilal marks a significant development in the summer transfer window. Football fans will be eagerly watching how both Neymar and Mbappe’s careers unfold in their new clubs.