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Al-Hilal completes move to sign Brazilian Forward Neymar Jr.

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Brazilian star Neymar has joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal from French champions Paris St-Germain.

The fee for the former Barcelona star, 31, is estimated to be over 90 million euros (£77.6 million) plus add-ons.

The former Barcelona player would join former Wolves captain Ruben Neves, former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly, and ex-Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who all joined Al-Hilal this summer.

Neymar, who joined PSG for a world record deal of 222 million euros in 2017, leaves the club after six seasons and was left out of Saturday’s Ligue 1 match against Lorient.

The former Barcelona player made 173 appearances for PSG, helping the team win 13 trophies, including five Ligue 1 crowns, and reach the 2020 Champions League final.

Neymar’s stay in Paris has been marred by ankle ailments, and he is thought to earn around 25 million euros (£21.6 million) each year at PSG.

“I’ve achieved a lot in Europe and enjoyed special times, but I have always wanted to be a global player and test myself with new challenges and opportunities in new places,” he said.

“I want to write new sporting history, and the Saudi Pro League has tremendous energy and quality players at the moment,” Neymar added.

“I have heard a lot and learned that I am following a long list of Brazilian players who have played in Saudi Arabia over the years, so I believe it is the desired place.”

After signing a two-year deal, he will apparently be paid 150 million euros (£129.2 million) per year in Saudi Arabia, which is six times his salary at PSG.

Al Hilal’s chairman, Fahad bin Saad, called Neymar “a global icon” and “an unstoppable attacking force” in welcoming him to the club.

Nasser Al-Khelaifi, PSG’s president and chief executive said “It is always difficult to say goodbye to an amazing player like Neymar, one of the best players in the world.

“I will never forget the day he arrived at Paris St-Germain, and what he has contributed to our club and our project over the last six years.”

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