Riyadh: Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr has officially joined Al Hilal, the Saudi Pro League club confirmed on Tuesday, August 15. Neymar, who had joined Paris Saint-Germain back in 2017 for a world record fee of 222 million euros departs the Ligue 1 giants after six years. Neymar has reportedly joined Al Hilal on a lucrative package worth $300m on a two-year deal. The 31-year-old’s Salary could go up to a potential $400m total until 2025 taking into account the add-ons and bonus clauses.
The former Barcelona forward has been heavily linked to his previous club but given the La Liga side’s financial turmoil, they couldn’t compete with the attractive offer of Al Hilal.
Neymar becomes the latest superstar to join the Saudi Pro League and he will be playing against Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi championship.
“I have achieved a lot in Europe and enjoyed special times, but I have always wanted to be a global player and test myself with new challenges and opportunities in new places,” Neymar said.
“I want to write new sporting history, and the Saudi Pro League has tremendous energy and quality players at the moment. I have heard a lot and learned that I am following a long list of Brazilian players who have played in Saudi Arabia over the years, so I believe it is the desired place.
“Al Hilal is a giant club with fantastic fans, and it is the best in Asia. This gives me a feeling that it is the right decision for me at the right time with the right club. I love winning and scoring goals, and I plan to continue doing that in Saudi Arabia and with Al Hilal.”
Al Hilal are one of four clubs — along with Al Nassr, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad who were taken under the ownership of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in June as part of the country’s “Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project.”
