Neymar joins Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia following PSG agreement.

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【Summary】Brazil forward Neymar is set to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal after a two-year deal was agreed with Paris St Germain. The deal could be worth 160 million euros, with a transfer fee of about 90 million euros. Neymar is expected to complete his medical in Paris and be presented to fans in Riyadh. Al-Hilal, managed by Jorge Jesus, is strengthening its squad after the Saudi Public Investment Fund announced an investment project for sports clubs.

FutureCar Staff Aug 14, 2023 10:25 AM PT

Neymar joins Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia following PSG agreement.

Neymar is set to join Saudi Arabian Pro League side Al-Hilal after they agreed to a two-year deal with Paris St Germain, according to Saudi state media. The Ligue 1 champions have not yet commented on the deal, but French newspaper L'Equipe suggests that Neymar could earn 160 million euros ($175 million) from the contract. The transfer fee is believed to be around 90 million euros, with additional payments and subject to a medical examination.

Sources close to the operation have informed Reuters that Neymar is currently undergoing a medical in Paris and is expected to arrive in Riyadh on Wednesday. He will then be presented to the fans at King Fahd Stadium. Managed by Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, Al-Hilal is scheduled to play Al-Fayha on Saturday, and Neymar is likely to wear the number 10 shirt for the team.

Neymar, who joined PSG in 2017 from Barcelona for a world record transfer fee, missed the team's league opener against Lorient due to a viral infection. Despite being contracted with PSG until 2025 and having achieved significant success with the club, Neymar is no longer considered a key player in coach Luis Enrique's squad. He had reportedly hoped to return to Barcelona on loan, but the financial issues of the Spanish side made that option unaffordable.

In addition to Neymar, Al-Hilal had also expressed interest in signing Kylian Mbappe from PSG, but the French international has been reinstated into the Paris club's first team. The Saudi side was also reportedly keen on Lionel Messi, who ultimately chose to join Major League Soccer's Inter Miami. Al-Hilal is the most successful club in Saudi Arabia and Asia, having won 66 trophies and holding records for league and Asian Champions League titles.

Al-Hilal's pursuit of top players is part of a larger effort by the Saudi Public Investment Fund to strengthen sports clubs in the country. The Saudi Pro League season recently commenced after significant spending to attract high-profile players and coaches from European clubs. Notable signings include Cristiano Ronaldo joining Al-Nassr and Karim Benzema joining Al-Ittihad. Several Champions League winners, including Riyad Mahrez, Edouard Mendy, and Roberto Firmino, have also signed for Al Ahli.