Neymar Agrees to Join Al-Hilal, Deal Scuppers FC Barcelona Loan: Reports

Neymar agrees to join Al-Hilal in a €80 million per year deal, leaving PSG and potentially prompting Kylian Mbappe to reconsider his future.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar has reportedly agreed to join Al-Hilal, a Saudi Pro League team, according to L'Equipe. The news was first reported by Fabrizio Romano, who stated that negotiations were underway between the player's camp and the Saudi team. Neymar's father also flew to the Middle East to discuss what has been described as a "huge" offer. L'Equipe has now reported that Neymar has accepted a two-season deal with Al-Hilal, which will see him earn €80 million ($88 million) per year.

The details of the transfer fee have not yet been disclosed. In 2017, PSG paid FC Barcelona a record-breaking €222 million ($243 million) to acquire Neymar. AS reported that PSG had set a minimum price of €150 million ($164.5 million) for the forward. However, The Independent revealed that a bid of €60 million ($65.8 million) would be sufficient to secure Neymar's services, given the financial backing of the Saudi-backed Public Investment Fund.

Previously, there were reports that Neymar could return to Barcelona on loan for one season. However, with the lucrative offer from Al-Hilal, it seems unlikely that Neymar will have a short stint at Camp Nou. Neymar currently earns $50 million per year at PSG, according to Forbes' list of The World's Highest-Paid Athletes. It was reported that he was willing to lower his salary to €12 million ($13.1 million) per term if he were to join Barcelona.

The proposed operation would involve Al-Hilal purchasing Neymar and then loaning him to Barcelona for the 2023/2024 season. However, it is speculated that Neymar would need to commit to at least three years with the Saudi team in order to fulfill his desire for a second stint at his former European club.

Neymar expressed his desire to leave PSG and rejoin Barcelona a week ago. However, new head coach Luis Enrique and sporting director Luis Campos informed him that he was not part of their plans for the upcoming season. PSG began their season with a 0-0 draw against Lorient.

Neymar's impending departure has reportedly caused Kylian Mbappe to reconsider his own future and potentially extend his contract with PSG.

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