Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) superstar Neymar has reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, while fellow PSG star Kylian Mbappe has returned to the squad after positive talks regarding his contract. The news comes amidst ongoing speculation about the futures of both players.
According to France’s leading sports daily L’Equipe, Neymar will receive a total of €160 million ($175 million) over two seasons, with the option for a third year. The deal is subject to Neymar completing his medical, and the transfer fee is reported to be around €90 million plus add-ons.
Neymar, who was contracted to stay at PSG until 2025, has scored 118 goals in 173 appearances for the club, winning five Ligue 1 titles but missing out on Champions League glory. The Brazilian forward missed PSG’s season-opening draw against Lorient due to a viral infection but is now set to leave the club during the summer transfer window.
On the other hand, Mbappe’s contract standoff with PSG seems to have taken a positive turn. The 2018 World Cup winner, who has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid on a free transfer next season, was allowed to return to training following constructive and positive talks between the player and the club. PSG had previously received a world-record bid of $332 million from Al-Hilal for Mbappe, but tensions seem to have eased for now.
Al-Hilal, known as one of Saudi Arabia’s top clubs, is coached by Portugal’s Jorge Jesus and boasts several international players recently lured from European clubs. Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Neymar’s compatriot Malcom are part of their squad.
Neymar’s departure from PSG follows that of Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, who now plays for Inter Miami in the United States. It is worth noting the growing impact of Saudi Arabian investment in world soccer, with reports suggesting that Roberto Mancini, former manager of European champion Italy, is being lined up to become the coach of the national team.
PSG’s start to the new Ligue 1 season has been rocky, with both Neymar and Mbappe left out of the squad for the opening goalless draw against Lorient. Mbappe’s refusal to sign a contract extension this summer means he can leave for free next year, but PSG is keen to sell him now to secure a significant transfer fee.
In conclusion, Neymar appears set to join Al-Hilal, while Mbappe’s situation at PSG has taken a positive turn after talks with the club. The future of both players remains uncertain, but they continue to dominate the headlines in the world of football. Paris Saint-Germain faces Toulouse in their next Ligue 1 match.
