Brazilian football star Neymar is on the verge of joining the Saudi league, becoming the latest high-profile player to make this significant move.
The 31-year-old forward has agreed to a two-year deal with Al Hilal, leaving the well-regarded French club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Neymar is presently undergoing his medical assessment and is expected to finalize the transfer within the next 48 hours.
As per reports from Sky Sports News, PSG stands to receive a substantial sum of up to £86.3 million for this talented Brazilian player.
It’s noteworthy that PSG set a global record by paying £200 million for Neymar’s transfer from Barcelona in 2017.
In Saudi Arabia, football clubs often offer considerably higher wages than those available in European leagues.
Neymar is poised to earn an impressive €150 million (£129.2 million) annually in Saudi Arabia, a staggering six times more than his earnings during his time at PSG.
Al Hilal also made attempts to acquire Neymar’s esteemed PSG teammates, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, during this summer transfer window.
However, Messi, the Argentine forward, chose to join Inter Miami, while Mbappe, the French star, appears likely to remain with PSG despite contractual tensions.
In July, the Saudi club extended a £258 million offer to Mbappe for a one-year stint, an offer which he ultimately declined.
Neymar’s move is the latest instance of a high-profile player transitioning to Saudi Arabia this season, following agreements with Jordan Henderson, Ruben Neves, and Roberto Firmino.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed his belief in a growing trend of exceptional athletes choosing to compete in the Saudi league.
Guardiola stated, “I believe the Saudi league has brought about a change in the market. Unexpected events have unfolded. Just a few months ago, even a year ago, when Cristiano Ronaldo was the sole player to make the move, it was unthinkable that such a multitude of top-tier, exceptional players would opt to participate in the Saudi league.”
He added, “I anticipate that this trend will continue to grow shortly.”
