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Neymar is reportedly considering a departure from Paris Saint-Germain, as an offer from Saudi Arabia has emerged as a potential option, according to a source familiar with the ongoing negotiations, who spoke to AFP on Sunday.
The Brazilian international made a historic move to the French champions for a staggering 220 million euros ($241 million) from Barcelona in 2017.
However, the 31-year-old striker was notably absent from PSG’s recent season-opener on Saturday, and according to the source, he has been “excluded from both the club’s and manager’s future strategies.”
Officially, the reason for the Brazilian forward’s non-appearance in the goalless draw against Lorient was attributed to a “viral syndrome.”
The source indicated that Neymar was engaged in discussions with a team from the financially endowed Saudi Pro League, “which will subsequently require reaching an accord with PSG.”
According to the French sports daily L’Equipe, it was reported that Al-Hilal is the specific club that extended the offer to the 31-year-old player.
In the previous month, Al-Hilal presented a substantial 300-million-euro ($328 million) proposal for Kylian Mbappe of PSG. However, the striker purportedly declined to engage with club officials.
Neymar, who had undergone surgery on his right ankle in early March, made a comeback to join PSG during their pre-season tour of Asia.
PSG, backed by Qatari interests, currently find themselves in a state of transition. The recent departure of Lionel Messi, coupled with French superstar Mbappe observing Saturday’s match from the stands due to a prolonged contract dispute, has added to the club’s uncertainties.
Notably absent from the game at Parc des Princes was Neymar, whose PSG tenure has been marred by a series of injuries. Despite his contribution to the club’s journey to the 2020 Champions League final, he has frequently found himself sidelined during crucial matches.
If Neymar indeed makes the move to Saudi Arabia, he will become part of an expanding roster of top-tier players enticed to the oil-abundant nation, a trend that gained momentum after Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer to Al-Nassr in January.
