Xtra Time Web Desk: In a significant transfer move, Paris Saint Germain striker Neymar Jr., has signed a two-year deal with Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal. Despite interest from Barcelona, financial constraints led Neymar to choose the Middle East, where he joins Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane. This move is part of PSG’s reshuffle, which also involved Lionel Messi’s transfer to Inter Miami. Neymar will be paid 150m Euros a year (1,363 crores), six times his salary at PSG.
Neymar, who had three years left on his £25 million-a-year contract at PSG, will bring the Ligue 1 champions close to 100 million euros. PSG originally made Neymar the most expensive transfer ever by acquiring him for 222 million euros from Barcelona.
Neymar’s departure from PSG follows the club’s indication that he was not in the plans of new coach Luis Enrique, who was responsible for the famed MSN trio during their Barcelona days. Neymar’s five years at PSG saw him win 13 trophies, including five Ligue 1 titles, and reach the 2020 Champions League final, though injuries and fan dissatisfaction have marked his time there.
Neymar’s transfer to Saudi Arabia aligns with the Gulf nation’s growing trend of attracting high-profile talent, supported by the Public Investment Fund’s investments in several clubs. Notable players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Sadio Mane, Ruben Neves, and more have already joined the Saudi Pro League, with Neymar being the latest addition to this elite list at Al Hilal.