Published 14:18 IST, August 16th 2023
Neymar Mania grips Riyadh after $300M move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal
On Tuesday, PSG and Al-Hilal announced that Brazil's sensation Neymar had completed his transfer and would play in the Saudi Pro League for the 2023–24 season.
Advertisement
Neymar has ended up moving from PSG to Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. The player spent 6 seasons with Paris Saint-Germain but failed to achieve their major goal of winning the UEFA Champions League. The vibrant forward has become the latest big name to join the SPL and is one of the biggest European stars to play in the Middle East.
3 things you need to know
-
Prior to signing Neymar, Al-Hilal targeted Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi
-
Neymar departs European football after 11 years with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain
-
Neymar was at the prime of his career during his time with FC Barcelona
Also Read: Lionel Messi nets his sixth with Inter after scoring from an absurdly far distance - WATCH
Neymar contract is one of the biggest contracts in the history of football
Neymar has made a significant transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to Al Hilal, a club in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he has signed a staggering $300 million contract package. This transfer follows the club's failed attempts to sign Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe. Neymar, who has won two La Liga titles and five Ligue 1 titles, has signed a two-year contract with Al Hilal.
Neymar is reportedly guaranteed $300 million, with the potential to earn up to $400 million through commercial agreements with the club. In exchange, PSG accepted approximately $102 million for the 31-year-old Brazilian sensation. This transfer makes Neymar the largest signing for the Saudi Pro League since Ronaldo's departure to Al Nassr on a massive contract earlier this year. Messi reportedly turned down a $300 million offer from the Saudi Pro League in order to join the Miami-based MLS outfit, Inter Miami.
A new history is about to fulfill 💙@neymarjr #Neymar_Hilali
— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) August 15, 2023
pic.twitter.com/3VhTX59aDq
Notably, Al Hilal's pursuit of Mbappe was unsuccessful despite proposing a staggering $775 million one-year contract. Injury-related setbacks have plagued Neymar's career, including a notable back injury he suffered while competing for the Brazilian national team at the 2014 World Cup.
When can Neymar make his possible debut for Al-Hilal?
On Saturday, the Saudi Pro League heavyweights will play Al-Feiha in their second league game. Saudi Arabian fans may have their first chance to see their country's newest superstar play in his new blue jersey. When Neymar moved from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2017, the transfer fee was a record-breaking $242.58 million. In 173 games for the Parisian club, Neymar displayed his immense potential by scoring 118 goals in Ligue 1 competition. With Paris, he won five league titles.
14:18 IST, August 16th 2023