OFFICIAL: Neymar leaves PSG to sign with Al Hilal
Following endless rumors of an exit from Paris, Neymar Jr. finally put a brochure to his tenure at PSG by signing a two-year deal with Saudi Arabia side Al-Hilal, PSG announced on their official website on Tuesday, Aug. 15.
The Brazil international and legendary forward Neymar has officially bid adieu to PSG, embarking on a new journey outside of Europe for the first time since he left his native country to sign with Barcelona.
This move marks the end of a roller-coaster chapter that began in 2017 when he joined PSG from Barcelona for a world-record €222m. As Neymar transitions to his new Saudi home, PSG is poised to reap an estimated €90 million from the sale.
Meanwhile, Neymar's yearly wage is believed to reach a humongous annual salary of €100m.
With this substantial influx of funds, PSG are much-better positioned to abide by the Financial Fair Play constraints going forward.
The sale could also impact the negotiations surrounding Randal Kolo Muani's potential transfer, which should be easier to pull off now and even more if PSG can also sell Marco Verratti before the window closes. Al Hilal is rumoredly interested in signing Verratti having already landed Neymar.
In an official statement, PSG expressed gratitude to Neymar, labeling him as "a club legend." President Nasser Al-Khelaifi shared sentiments, acknowledging the Brazilian's indelible contributions to the club over his six-year tenure.
"It is always difficult to say goodbye to an amazing player like Neymar, one of the best players in the world, said Al-Khelaifi. "I will never forget the day he arrived at Paris Saint-Germain, and what he has contributed to our Club and our project over the last 6 years. We had a great moment and Neymar will always be a big part of our history. I would like to thank Neymar and his family. We wish Neymar all the very best for the future and his next adventure."