PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
Will PSG’s Neymar be the next major soccer star to move to Saudi Arabia?
After being beaten to Lionel Messi’s signature, Al Hilal are said to be eyeing a swoop for the Argentine’s former PSG team-mate.
Having confirmed the departures of free agents Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos, Paris Saint-Germain could now be about to offload Neymar.
The French champions are ready to listen to offers for the Brazilian, who last year triggered a clause allowing him to unilaterally renew his PSG contract until 2027, but is now also eyeing a summer parting of ways. According to CBS Sports and RMC Sport, Saudi Arabia is a possible destination should he leave the Parc des Princes.
Al Hilal chase Neymar after missing out on Messi
According to the media outlets, Neymar is a target for Al Hilal, who recently lost out to MLS franchise Inter Miami in the race for Messi’s services, despite offering the World Cup winner a huge contract. CBS Sports reports that the Saudi Pro League club is prepared to hand Neymar a deal worth more than €200m a season, with PSG receiving a €45m transfer fee for the former Santos and Barcelona player.
However, Neymar is thought to be keen to stay in Europe, with Premier League clubs Chelsea, Manchester United and Newcastle United all being linked with the 31-year-old.
PSG exit on temporary deal?
In order to push through Neymar’s departure, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi and the club’s football advisor, Luis Campos, are even said to be willing to consider a loan deal without a purchase option, as long as the club he joins is prepared to pay his €36m pre-tax yearly salary in full.
Neymar future stance changes after fan protests
Neymar had resolved to remain in Paris, but changed his mind in May this year, when a large group of PSG ultras gathered outside his home in the French capital to urge him to leave the club.
The forward has been at PSG for six years, having signed for the Parisians from Barça in a world-record €222m deal in summer 2017. He has made 173 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 118 goals.