Neymar Jr. joins Al-Hilal in a record transfer, while Cristiano Ronaldo and Benzema thrive in the Saudi Pro League. Exploring the lucrative contracts and high-profile moves in the soccer world.
Brazilian striker Neymar Jr. is set to depart for Saudi Arabia to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal after six seasons with French League champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The Latin American footballer has agreed to terms with Saudi club Al-Hilal on a two-year contract.
Following Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar is the most recent and likely the biggest name to join the Saudi Pro League. Many media agencies have stated that the 31-year-old has joined Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for a fee of 90 million euros. Before making the transaction official, Neymar will travel to Riyadh for a medical test.
Although his finest years on the field are behind him, Neymar might earn another raise after Al-Hilal submitted a massive bid for the Paris Saint-Germain forward.
Here's how much Neymar is expected to make and how his salary compares to other star soccer players in the Saudi Pro League:
Al Hilal has proposed a cost of €80 million (£69.1 million) for PSG's injury-prone 31-year-old. The prospective remuneration for Neymar varies, but Santi Aouna has claimed a figure in the area of €100 million (£86.4 million) each year. According to the French daily L'Equipe, Neymar has agreed to a deal for $160 million.
Neymar's potential yearly earnings match Harry Kane's transfer fee to Bayern Munich, all in the span of 12 months.
Benzema's annual earnings are estimated to be around £172.77 million, secured through a three-year contract. Instead of emphasizing wealth, Benzema stated that his decision to move to Saudi Arabia was influenced by his faith.
Recently, in the Arab Club Champions Cup final, Ronaldo netted two goals to secure his inaugural title since relocating to Saudi Arabia the previous winter. Having officially cut his association with Manchester United before the World Cup, Ronaldo was enticed to join the Pro League, largely due to an astonishing annual deal worth £177.1 million. The legendary Portuguese striker stands as the highest-paid athlete in any sport.
Alongside them, Sadio Mané executed a remarkable change of direction from Bayern Munich and acquiesced to Al Nassr's conditions. He is offered an annual remuneration of more than £34 million - equivalent to £650,000 per week at the Saudi club.