Brazilian forward Neymar has inked a lucrative two-year contract with Saudi Arabia’s premier football club, Al-Hilal, following an illustrious six-year tenure with Paris St Germain (PSG). Despite clinching multiple domestic trophies during his time with PSG, Neymar fell short of capturing the coveted Champions League title that the club had been vying for.

On Tuesday, no exact financial figures were officially disclosed. However, reliable sources indicate that the transfer fee hovers around 90 million euros ($98.24 million), with additional performance-based incentives. The transfer is contingent upon a medical examination for the 31-year-old athlete.

Renowned French newspaper L’Equipe has projected that Neymar stands to gain an impressive total of 160 million euros from this high-profile deal.

Saudi Professional League (SPL) powerhouse Al-Hilal enthusiastically announced Neymar’s commitment to the club, as he signed a contract extending until 2025. The Brazilian superstar shared his enthusiasm in a video posted on the team’s social media channels, proclaiming, “I am here in Saudi Arabia, I am Hilali.”

Expressing his sentiments after inking the agreement in Paris, Neymar stated, “My time in Europe has been incredibly rewarding, and I’ve cherished some extraordinary moments. However, my aspirations have always extended to becoming a global player and embracing novel challenges in fresh environments.”

He went on to articulate his ambitions, saying, “I aspire to script a new chapter in sports history, and the Saudi Pro League offers immense dynamism and a roster of exceptionally skilled players at this juncture.”

Acknowledging the legacy of Brazilian footballers who have previously graced Saudi Arabia, Neymar affirmed, “I’ve learned about the remarkable journey of Brazilian players in Saudi football over the years, and I’m convinced that this is the perfect destination for me.”

With a firm focus on his athletic objectives, he emphasized, “My passion for victory and goal-scoring remains unwavering. I intend to continue this legacy with Al-Hilal in the Saudi Arabian football landscape.”

Neymar initially joined PSG in 2017 after transferring from Barcelona in a groundbreaking deal valued at 222 million euros. Over the course of his tenure, he made 173 appearances, netting an impressive 118 goals, and secured multiple accolades, including five Ligue 1 titles.

While Neymar had previously tasted Champions League glory with Barcelona in 2015, he faced disappointment as he claimed the runners-up position with PSG in the 2020 final, ultimately succumbing to Bayern Munich.

Nasser Al-Khelaifi, President of PSG, acknowledged the impact of Neymar’s departure, stating, “Bidding farewell to a club legend like Neymar is inevitably emotional. His influence on Paris Saint-Germain’s journey over the last six years is indelible.”

Reflecting on their shared history, Al-Khelaifi added, “We’ve celebrated remarkable milestones together, and Neymar’s legacy will forever remain interwoven with our narrative. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to him and his family.”

With 124 appearances for the Brazilian national team and an impressive 77 goals, Neymar stands alongside the iconic Pele as a joint-record holder. He played a pivotal role in Brazil’s triumph in the Confederations Cup in 2013.

Al-Hilal, the premier club in Saudi Arabia and Asia, boasts an impressive collection of 66 trophies, solidifying their stature as a dominant force. Their record boasts an impressive 18 league titles and four Asian Champions League triumphs.

Bolstering their roster remains a top priority for Al-Hilal, particularly following the unveiling of a significant investment and privatization initiative by the Saudi Public Investment Fund in June. This comprehensive project encompasses prominent league champions Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr, and Al-Hilal.

As the Saudi Pro League season kicks off with a flourish, with close to half a billion dollars invested to attract an array of elite players and coaches from European clubs, Al-Hilal is strategically positioned to further strengthen their team. Recent notable acquisitions include Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr and France’s Karim Benzema at Al-Ittihad. Additionally, Al-Ahli proudly boasts UEFA Champions League victors Riyad Mahrez, Edouard Mendy, and Roberto Firmino among their ranks.

Despite fervent efforts to secure his signature, Al-Hilal’s pursuit of Neymar’s former teammates Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi proved unsuccessful, with Messi eventually opting for Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami.