Author: Chandra Moulee Das
Neymar has reached an agreement to sign a two-year contract with Al-Hilal, for a sum of €160 million (£138 million/$175 million) in earnings, reports L’Equipe. Neymar’s transfer from Paris to the Saudi Professional League team has already been approved by PSG and it seems that the player himself has also given his consent.
Neymar, who secured the title of most expensive player in soccer history when he joined PSG from Barcelona for 222 million euros in 2017, was absent from PSG’s 0-0 draw against Lorient on the opening day of the season, indicating his imminent departure.
Sidelined since March due to ankle ligament reconstruction surgery, the 31-year-old’s time at PSG seems to be coming to an end. While striker Kylian Mbappe has been reintegrated into PSG training, Neymar’s six years in Paris seem to be coming to an end.
The Brazilian enjoyed considerable success during his time at PSG, amassing 118 goals and 77 assists in 173 appearances for the French club. His contributions played a decisive role in the team winning five Ligue 1 titles and three French Cup trophies. However, the coveted UEFA Champions League title remained unattainable.
Neymar was among the star acquisitions sought by PSG in their effort to assemble a galactic team with the aim of winning Europe’s premier tournament. However, newly appointed coach Luis Enrique is supposedly inclined to have a team made up of younger, more motivated players.
Following Lionel Messi’s departure to Inter Miami at the start of the summer and the uncertainty over Kylian Mbappe’s future at the Parc des Princes, Neymar has been strongly linked with a return to Barcelona. However, it now seems that he is about to join the ranks of big names who are moving to Saudi Arabia.
Neymar will join forces with notable players such as Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves and former Barcelona player Malcolm, formerly of Flamengo Michael, at the Riyadh-based club.