Neymar Jr.’s decision to join the Saudi Pro League has ignited disappointment among soccer fans, who believe the Brazilian star had more to offer before opting for a lucrative two-year contract worth approximately $175 Million.
Reports confirm Neymar’s shift to the Saudi Pro League, marking a substantial payday. However, this choice has stirred discontent among fans, who feel his talents could have been better utilized in his career, potentially contributing to a more prominent soccer legacy.
The discontent spilled over onto social media, with comments like “he was supposed to be the chosen one” and “Ronaldinho could never” dominating discussions about the move.
Fans’ objections are rooted in Neymar’s undeniable quality. At just 31 years old, he possesses the potential to achieve more. Possibly by pursuing a move to a European soccer powerhouse. Anticipations had included a potential return to FC Barcelona or a shift to the Premier League, both conducive to another run at the UEFA Champions League.
🔵🏁🇸🇦🇧🇷 #AlHilal https://t.co/wDxX7uYjKo
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 14, 2023
This isn’t Neymar’s initial instance of prioritizing financial gains over a storied European club. In 2017, he transferred from the esteemed FC Barcelona to PSG for a record $243 Million fee, making it the highest transfer cost at that time.
Back then, Neymar was positioned as the heir to Lionel Messi’s throne at FC Barcelona. Despite this, he pursued the PSG move, yearning for a fresh project and the opportunity to steer the club to European success.
Regrettably, this ambition fell short of its potential in Paris. Under his most recent contract, inked in 2021, Neymar Jr. earned approximately $40 million per season with PSG.
Neymar Jr. joins Al-Hilal in an $88 Million move from PSG
The completion of Neymar Jr.’s transfer to Al-Hilal is imminent, as all involved parties have sanctioned the necessary documents. According Fabrizio Romano, Neymar’s forthcoming week entails a trip to Saudi Arabia for his medical examination, the final step in sealing the deal. The Brazilian star is poised to secure a two-year contract.
The financial aspects of this transition have also come to light. PSG, Neymar’s current club, is set to collect a sum slightly below $100 Million as a transfer fee. French reports, however, indicate that the figure for the Brazilian’s move hovers around $88 Million.
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 has been sidelined with ankle ligament surgery since March. Notably, this development coincides with reports concerning Kylian Mbappe, the departing forward. After a summer marked by speculation and uncertainty, Mbappe has been reintegrated into PSG’s training activities. The club’s wavering stance on retaining the superstar appears to have shifted.
Amid these shifts, speculation arises regarding Neymar Jr. and Lionel Messi‘s PSG exits. Some conjecture suggests that their departures could prompt Kylian Mbappe to opt for a new contract with PSG. Suggestions are that Mbappe wants to be the focal point under the new manager, Luis Enrique.