Audio By Carbonatix
Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed the signing of Neymar from Barcelona in a £198million deal that has smashed the transfer world record.
Speculation had been rife over Neymar’s proposed move to the Ligue 1 club and – just hours after the player’s release clause at Barca was triggered – PSG confirmed the deal.
The 25-year-old leaves behind a star-studded Barcelona side, but said in a statement that he is delighted with his move to Paris:
" 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. "
Paris Saint-Germain are absolutely thrilled to announce the arrival of @neymarjr !!!
— PSG English (@PSG_English) August 3, 2017
âž¡ï¸ https://t.co/chFTIcsb7X#BemvindoNeymarJR 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/lWk6nIX1S1
The transfer will make Neymar one of the highest earning footballers in the world, with an annual salary of £26.8m.
The money involved is eye-watering, but the Brazil international has pointed to different motivations behind his move:
" Paris Saint-Germain’s ambition attracted me to the club, along with the passion and the energy this brings. I played 4 seasons in Europe and I feel ready to take the challenge. From today, I will do everything I can to help my new teamates, to open up new horizons for my club and to bring happiness to its millions of supporters around the world."
The cost of PSG's purchase dwarfs the previous world transfer record, set by Manchester United when they bought Paul Pogba last summer.
Done deal 😉✅
— PSG English (@PSG_English) August 3, 2017
🖊 @neymarjr
🇧🇷 #BemvindoNeymarJR pic.twitter.com/NF6jopCR70
Latest Stories
-
Cocoa smuggling: Fiapre Circuit Court grants GH¢10k bail each to four suspects
10 minutes -
African media criticised for weak geopolitical coverage
14 minutes -
NHIA launches free NHIS registration campaign
16 minutes -
Oil prices rise by $1 as investors weigh Middle East peace prospects
16 minutes -
Court remands three over jewellery shop robberies
20 minutes -
NAIMOS intensifies crackdown on illegal mining activities along Ankobra River
22 minutes -
Evidence-based data crucial in fight against climate change – Food systems stakeholders
22 minutes -
Mason jailed over motorbike theft
25 minutes -
No journalist must be harassed – Gov’t promises media protection, warns against threats to press freedom
26 minutes -
Africa must address training gaps, retain health staff – Opoku-Agyemang
27 minutes -
Climate action must support Ghana’s resetting agenda – Climate Minister
31 minutes -
Asokore-Mampong Municipal Assembly records significant gains in revenue mobilisation
34 minutes -
Digital technologies critical to strengthening Africa’s health systems – WHO
38 minutes -
BoG backs cross-border fintech expansion to deepen African markets
43 minutes -
Indigenous innovators power Ghana’s growth with UNDP support
47 minutes