Neymar set to become latest star footballer to join Saudi league

World

Brazil star Neymar is set to become the latest big-name footballer to join the Saudi league.

The forward, 31, has agreed a deal to join Al Hilal from French giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

Neymar is undergoing his medical today and is expected to complete the move within the next 48 hours.

Sky Sports News is reporting that PSG is set to receive up to £86.3m for the Brazilian player.

The club paid a world-record breaking £200m for Neymar’s transfer from Barcelona in 2017.

Al Hilal have also attempted to buy Neymar’s star PSG teammates Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe this summer.

However, Argentinian forward Messi opted to join Inter Miami while French player Mbappe is set to stay at PSG despite some tensions over his contract.

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The Saudi club offered £258m for Mbappe in July but he refused the one-year move.

Neymar is the latest high-profile player to move to Saudi Arabia this summer after Jordan Henderson, Ruben Neves and Roberto Firmino all agreed deals.

Wages offered by clubs in Saudi Arabia are often much higher than what players can earn in European leagues.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said last month that he believes more and more “extraordinary players” will make the move to Saudi Arabia.

“I think the Saudi league has changed the market,” Guardiola said.

“Many things happened unexpectedly. Just a few months ago, a year ago, when Cristiano (Ronaldo) was the only one to go, then no one could imagine the amount of top, top players, quality, extraordinary players (who are) going to play in the Saudi league.

“I think in the close future it’s going to happen more and more.”

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