Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr in January 2023 has been a turning point for the Saudi Pro League, which started to recruit more promiment players thanks to the Portuguese icon. Just months after CR7, Neymar became the next superstar to move to the Middle East.
It was Al Hilal who secured the Brazilian’s transfer, ending his six-year stint with Paris Saint-Germain. According to Transfermarkt, the Saudi giants forked out an astonishing €90 million to acquire Neymar.
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BBC Sport reported the deal also included additional performance-based payments, although the exact amount was not disclosed. Nevertheless, the substantial investment underscores the club’s determination to have Neymar, even at 31 years old.
Neymar: From record signing to incredible salary
In addition to the transfer fee, Al Hilal also agreed to pay Neymar a mind-blowing salary. With an annual wage of €150 million, the Brazilian now earns six times what he was making at PSG.
The French club had also shown remarkable commitment to the player though. In 2017, PSG made headlines for signing Neymar from Barcelona for €222 million, making him the most expensive footballer in history.
An unfortunate start for Neymar in Saudi Arabia
The Santos product, who signed a two-year deal with Al Hilal, only got to play five matches for his new team before suffering a serious knee injury while on international duty with Brazil.
In October 2023, Neymar tore the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee during a 2-0 loss to Uruguay in the South American World Cup qualifiers.
