Neymar Signs 5-Year Deal With PSG For World Record $262m

Brazil international Neymar Jr has signed a five-year contract with the French Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona, the French club has announced.

The world record deal is said to be worth 222 million euros ($262 million), after PSG payed the release clause in Neymar’s contract.

“Paris Saint-Germain are very pleased to announce the arrival of Neymar Jr,” the Parisiens said in a statement on their official website.

“The Brazilian attacker signed a five-year contract in the presence of club and player representatives. Neymar Jr is now tied to the club of the capital until June 30, 2022.”

PSG’s announcement put an end to a saga that began about two weeks ago.

The 25-year-old became the most expensive player in soccer history after completing his move to the French capital on Thursday.

The previous transfer record had been set a year ago when Manchester United paid 105 million euros (then $116 million) to sign Paul Pogba from Juventus.

“Paris Saint-Germain’s ambition attracted me to the club, along with the passion and the energy this brings,” Neymar said.

“I played four seasons in Europe and I feel ready to take the challenge. From today, I will do everything I can to help my new teammates, to open up new horizons for my club and to bring happiness to its millions of supporters around the world.

“I am extremely happy to join Paris Saint-Germain, since I arrived in Europe, the club has always been one of the most competitive and most ambitious. And the biggest challenge, what most motivated me to join my new teammates, is to help the club to conquer the titles that their fans want.”

Neymar Jr is regarded as one of the best players in the world, alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

In his four seasons at Barcelona, the 25-year-old scored 105 goals, winning the Champions League, Club World Cup, two Spanish league titles and Copa del Rey three times.

“Neymar Jr is today one of the very best players in world football. His winning mentality, strength of character and sense of leadership have made him into a great player,” PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said. “He will bring a very positive energy to this club.

“In six years, we have built a very ambitious project that has already taken us to the highest level of national and European football. Today, with the arrival of Neymar Jr, I am convinced that we will come even closer, with the support of our faithful fans, to realizing our greatest dreams.”

Neymar is expected in Paris on Friday and will hold a news conference early in the afternoon, PSG said.

He had earlier on Thursday posted a video thanking Barcelona, his father and fans for making him the man he has become.