The transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo to Al-Nassr changed everything. Since the arrival of Portuguese, an uncountable number of stars have followed his steps and continued their careers in Saudi Arabia. Even Neymar, one of the best players in the world, was tempted by this competition that is growing by leaps and bounds.
The Brazilian star became the most expensive transfer in the history of the league this summer, leaving Paris Saint-Germain for Al-Hilal. According to Globo Esporte, the operation would cost around 100 million euros with variables. This is 40 million more than what the same club invested in his compatriot Malcom, and more than double what Al-Ittihad spent in Fabinho, another Brazilian.
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Neymar tops the list of most expensive players in Saudi Arabia
Four Brazilians make up the list of the ten most expensive players in the history of the Saudi Arabian first division: Neymar, Malcom, Fabinho and Roger Ibañez. All of them moved to the Middle East in this trade book, reflecting the immediate economic injection the league received.
The top-10 transfers
Neymar (PSG > Al-Hilal) – €100 million
Malcom (Zenit > Al-Hilal) – €60 million
Ruben Neves (Wolverhampton > Al-Hilal) – €55 million
Fabinho (Liverpool > Al-Ittihad) – €46 million
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Lazio > Al-Hilal) – €40 million
Sadio Mané (Bayern Munich > Al-Nassr) – €37 million
Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City > Al-Ahli) – €35 million
Jota (Celtic > Al-Ittihad) – €29 million
Roger Ibáñez (Rome > Al-Ahli) – €28.5 million
Allan Saint-Maximin (Newcastle > Al-Ahli) – €27 million
A new story
It will undoubtedly be a different adventure for Neymar, away from the main focus that surrounds the big leagues in Europe. However, the 31-year-old was enthusiastic about this challenge: “Al-Hilal is a huge club with fantastic fans and they are the best club in Asia. Everything makes me feel that it is the right decision for me, at the right time, with the right club.”
“I conquered a lot in Europe. I always wanted to be a global player and try myself in new challenges and places. I want to write a new history in the sport and this league has tremendous energy”, added Ney.
