‘World class’ player is now close to £78m Saudi Arabia move, after talks held over Chelsea transfer

Add as preferred source on Google

Neymar is now close to joining Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia – after Todd Boehly held talks about bringing the Brazilian to Chelsea from PSG.

That is according to the BBC.

So, what is the latest on Neymar following those links to Chelsea? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?

Well – according to ESPN Deportes – Boehly met with PSG to discuss a deal for the South American earlier this summer, who was described as “world class” by Christophe Galtier.

A more recent story from le10sport claimed that Chelsea held further talks about signing Neymar after it became clear that PSG wanted to sell him, with Le Parisien adding that the Blues kept themselves open to the 31-year-old as he weighed up his options.

Now – however – the PSG No.10 has decided to join Al Hilal.

The BBC believe Neymar will now be joining the Saudi Pro League side in a deal worth £77.6m after Luis Enrique decided to leave the forward out of his plans for the 2023/24 campaign.

Should the Brazil international pass his medical, he will join the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante in Saudi Arabia.

Chelsea have already moved on from Neymar

Thankfully, it appears Chelsea had alternatives to Neymar lined up – despite Boehly’s apparent desperation to sign the Brazilian superstar.

A story from the Evening Standard states that Chelsea are close to agreeing a contract with Crystal Palace No.7 Michael Olise.

The Blues are hoping to wrap up a deal for the France Under-21 international for a sum in the region of £45m.

In our view – should this transfer materialise – it will be a far more sensible move than a swoop for Neymar would have been, given the fact Olise is ten years younger and also considerably cheaper.

Be sure to keep an eye on that situation, as talks with Crystal Palace should progress once Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia are signed.