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AFC Champions League 2023-24 MD1 Neymar JR of Al-Hilal SFC KSA in action against PFC Navbahor UZB during their Match Day 1 of the AFC Champions League 2023-24 at the King Fahd International Stadium on September 18, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Riyadh King Fahd International Stadium Kingdom of Saudi Arabia PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxJPNxUK Copyright: xStrignerx 2023.09.19_PSI03215_SRA_0000770
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AFC Champions League 2023-24 MD1 Neymar JR of Al-Hilal SFC KSA in action against PFC Navbahor UZB during their Match Day 1 of the AFC Champions League 2023-24 at the King Fahd International Stadium on September 18, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Riyadh King Fahd International Stadium Kingdom of Saudi Arabia PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxJPNxUK Copyright: xStrignerx 2023.09.19_PSI03215_SRA_0000770
The tunnel appears to be getting longer and longer for Neymar. The Brazilian has been receiving constant criticism of his fitness and attitude for the last few months. The former Barcelona star has been handed a gigantic contract from Al Hilal, thanks to an impulsive transfer window. However, Neymar has again found a problem in an ocean of opportunities with his latest injury leading to a major drop in his market value.
Many experts consider Neymar to have underperformed. But the Brazilian icon had a chance to prove himself by performing well in a developing league. However, it appears like fortune is not favoring the 31-year-old. This time, the impact looks to be more severe than before.
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Transfer market crash for Neymar
Neymar was still battling his knee injury from February when Al Hilal was interested in signing with him. But the Saudi Pro League club was ready to go all in for the superstar. The move was an example of Al Nassr’s transfer approach. Neymar was the beneficiary, gaining a $418 million contract. However, the 31-year-old’s value has dropped by $11 million in Transfermarkt’s latest price update.
After the update, Neymar’s current value is around $52.7 million, which still makes him the most valuable in Saudi after Cristiano Ronaldo. Neymar had previously switched clubs every five years, two times with an appreciating value. Even Karim Benzema has seen a steep drop of about $11 million in his value along with the Brazilian.
Neymar’s highest value was during his transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, where they brought him for $263 million from FC Barcelona. The forward won 5 Ligue 1 titles and scored 118 goals for the Parisians. However, his injuries were a constant problem even during his days in Paris. Unfortunately, similar problems have arisen in Saudi Arabia too.
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Neymar’s injury is an enormous loss for Al Hilal
Neymar was having a torrid international break. The results weren’t going Brazil’s way, nor were the fans staying calm. But the worst part for Neymar was his ACL injury in the match against Uruguay. The former PSG forward was included in the Brazilian squad for the World Cup Qualifiers. But, after the success of the initial international break last month, this one turned out to be a complete disaster.
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World Cup – Neymar Breaks Down Crying After Brazil Loss Neymar of Brazil looks dejected after their sides elimination from the tournament after a penalty shoot out loss during the FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball Qatar 2022 quarter final match between Croatia and Brazil at Education City Stadium on December 09, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. Soccer superstar Neymar was absolutely crushed after Brazil s devastating loss to Croatia on Friday, breaking down in tears as his team was eliminated from the World Cup. Photo by David Niviere/ABACAPRESS.COM Doha Qatar PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRAxSPAxUKxUSAxBELxPOL Copyright: xNivierexDavid/ABACAPRESS.COMx 834834_001 NivierexDavid/ABACAPRESS.COMx 834834_001
Al Hilal will face a severe monetary loss in Neymar’s absence. However, the club will get a few exemptions like holding back Neymar’s bonuses. The Saudi side will also claim $8 million as compensation from FIFA since he was playing for the country while picking up the injury.
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WATCH THIS STORY: 6 Days After Cristiano Ronaldo Ended Lionel Messi Rivalry, Jimmy Butler Reignites GOAT Debate, Bringing In Close Friend Neymar Jr.
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