Neymar has completed his sensational transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to Al-Hilal, the Saudi Arabian club announced on today, Monday 14th August 2023. The Brazilian superstar will join the reigning Saudi Pro League champions on a two-year deal, earning a staggering €80 million ($88 million) per season. PSG will receive a fee of €90 million ($98.5 million) for Neymar, who had two years left on his contract with the French giants.
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Al Hilal logo. Source: Google.[/caption]
How Did This Deal Happen?
Al-Hilal had made a massive offer for Neymar, who was dissatisfied at PSG and wanted to return to Barcelona, according to a report by
CBS Sports from August 12. Despite PSG paying a record €222 million ($243 million) for Neymar in 2017, Barcelona was unable to sign him.
Fortunately, Al-Hilal, which is funded in part by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, saw an opening to bring Neymar to the Middle East with an appealing offer.
While in Saudi Arabia, Neymar's father and agent were able to negotiate an annual salary of €80 million with Al-Hilal, making their son the highest-paid footballer in the world. He has agreed to serve as captain for Al-Hilal and wear the number 10 jersey. Neymar will be leaving PSG for €90 million, or roughly half of what they spent for him four years ago.
After reportedly agreeing to personal terms with Al-Hilal on August 13, Neymar jetted off to Saudi Arabia this week to get a physical and sign the deal. On August 14, Al-Hilal announced the contract with a video featuring Neymar wearing an Al-Hilal shirt and declaring, "Here we go!"
After six tough years in Paris, during which he battled injuries and personal issues, he has finally left PSG.
With PSG, Neymar has won five Ligue 1 titles, a total of thirteen domestic trophies, and a runner-up place in the Champions League final in 2020.
Neymar's Deal to Al-Hilal: Implications
Neymar's move from one of Europe's largest teams to one of Asia's buzzling clubs comes as a surprise to the footballing world. Yes, it's shocking in every way.
The Brazilian player will be playing in a less competitive league and region, which means he will lose out on playing in important tournaments like the Champions League, World Cup, and others.
Neymar, on the other hand, will become the face of Al-Hilal and Saudi Arabian football while earning an incredible sum of money with this deal.
With Al-Hilal, Neymar will be joining a team that has
won several titles including being the 18x Saudi Arab Championships, 13x Saudi Crown Prince Cup, 2x AFC Championship league, 2x Asian Club Championships, 10x Saudi Cup Winners, 3x Saudi Super Cup Winners, amongst many others. Neymar will also have the possibility to expand his fame and fan base by entering a different cultural context.
Also, Al-Hilal has pulled off a historic feat by signing one of the world's top players with this contract. Signing Neymar, who will increase Al-Hilal's global reputation and appeal, demonstrates the club's ambition and foresight. With Neymar on the team, Al-Hilal will be able to dominate both the home and continental scenes.
Neymar has joined the roster of Al-Hilal with recent signings such as Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Malcom, and Kalidou Koulibaly. He will be competing in the Saudi Pro League among stars like C. Ronaldo,
Mane, Benzema, Mahrez, Firmino, Kante,
Franck Kessie, and Mendy, all of whom have recently arrived from prominent European clubs.
Recent high-profile transfers of talented players into the Saudi Pro League have been attributed to Cristiano Ronaldo. His signing had a significant impact.
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Recent high-profile transfers of talented players into the Saudi Pro League have been attributed to Cristiano Ronaldo. | Credit: CristianoRonaldo. | Source: Instagram[/caption]
There will be a wide range of reactions to the deal from fans, the media, and celebrities, including other players, all over the world.
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