Neymar looks set to join the player exodus heading from Europe to Saudi Arabia after the Brazil international agreed a transfer switch to Al-Hilal.
A deal for Neymar is the latest move involving a Saudi Pro League side bringing in a major name from a European powerhouse, with the 31-year-old still holding the world transfer record, following his £198m ($252m) move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017
Al-Hilal were frustrated in their attempts to sign Neymar’s PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe, after the French side agreed to sell him last month, but the forward turned down a move to the Middle East. Still, Neymar represents a major coup for the Saudi league.
The Sporting News takes a look at the transfer fee to bring Neymar to Al-Hilal and how his new salary will compare to Mbappe and other world stars.
MORE: Most expensive Premier League transfers in history: Complete list of biggest fees paid for players
Neymar to Al Hilal transfer latest
PSG are keen to offload Neymar, due to their wider project to move away from ‘galatico’ player signings, with Luis Enrique rumoured to be ready to let him go.
As per reports from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano and BBC Sport, Al-Hilal have tabled a transfer offer of around £77.6m ($98.3m), with PSG accepting, as part of a whirlwind 24 hours in the French capital.
Neymar to Al Hilal, here we go! 🚨🔵🇸🇦
After new huge bid revealed two days ago, documents are now approved by all parties involved.
Ney will travel to Saudi this week.
Two year contract.
Number 🔟.PSG set to receive bit less than €100m fee.
Medical to be completed today. pic.twitter.com/R6zR5glroe
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 14, 2023
Neymar is now expected to travel to Saudi Arabia for a medical later this week, with the final details also complete, as he bids farewell to European football – potentially for good.
Neymar’s projected salary at Al Hilal
Neymar’s most recent annual salary at PSG was estimated to be £31.6m ($39.3m), following a change of terms in 2021, but his new deal at Al-Hilal is set to smash through that total.
As per the latest update from CBS Sports, the Saudi side have offered Neymar a two-year contract, which features a £172m ($219m) annual salary offer.
Will Neymar earn more than Kylian Mbappe?
If the numbers are correct, Neymar would eclipse Cristiano Ronaldo’s $213 million (£173m) yearly wage at Saudi rivals Al Nassr, and make him the most highly paid footballer in the world.
It would also bring him well clear of Mbappe, currently No.2 on the list, with a reported salary of £96m ($110m) at the Parc des Princes.
However, as part of their attempts to keep him at the club, PSG could offer Mbappe a deal that would raise the stakes once again in the coming months.
Despite their efforts to sell the France captain, PSG remain pragmatic over their chances of keeping Mbappe away from Real Madrid next summer, as they look to avoid a free transfer exit.
The Parisians believe the best way to retain Mbappe is to offer a contract that puts him in a untouchable position with reports from Forbes claiming they are willing to offer him a £87m ($1.1bn) ‘lifetime contract’.
They are also said to be considering a lower offer, which would include a clause to leave the club at the end of the 2023/24 season – if Mbappe remains determined to join Los Blancos.
Watch Saudi Pro League in USA live stream, TV channels
- TV channel: FS2, Fox Deportes, Fox Soccer Plus
- Streaming: Fubo, Fox site/app
Officially announced by the Saudi Pro League on August 13, Fox has acquired the English and Spanish language rights to the Saudi Pro League in the United States.
TV channel
Details have not been officially announced, but a report by Felipe Cardenas of The Athletic indicated that three “marquee” fixtures per matchweek will be televised on FS2, and the rest will be put on premium streaming service Fox Soccer Plus. Fox Deportes will carry Spanish-language coverage.
Fox will be tapping into the world feed, according to Cardenas, instead of assigning its own broadcasters to call the match.
Live streams
All televised matches on FS2, Fox Deportes, and Fox Soccer Plus can be streamed on Fubo in the USA, which is available to new users on a free trial.
For authenticated users who subscribe to a cable, satellite, or telco TV package, they can log in with their credentials to watch the games on the Fox Sports site and app.