‘The Middle East’s version of the Galactic Legion.
Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal has reportedly confirmed the signing of superstar Neymar, leading to claims that the so-called “New Galactic Legion” is about to be born.
According to Brazilian and overseas media outlets on Thursday (KST), Al Hilal has finalized a deal to sign Neymar and will hold a press conference to announce the signing on the 16th (local time).
Neymar will reportedly receive an annual salary of 320 million euros (about 46.61 billion won) for two years, with a transfer fee of about 90 million euros (about 13.12 billion won).
Saudi media outlet Yalakhora highlighted Al-Hilal’s explosive superstar signings in this summer’s transfer window, analyzing that the club is making some big additions in addition to Neymar.
“Al-Hilal is close to being the highest spending club in the world (on players),” Yalakora reported, noting that the club has spent €178 million ($260 million) on transfers so far this summer.
Al Hilal has already spent more than €178 million so far on players such as Malcolm (Maukong Siuba) from Zenit in Russia, Ousmane Nebes from Wolverhampton in England, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic from Lazio in Italy, and Kalidou Koulibaly from Chelsea in England.
With Neymar’s arrival now a certainty, Yalacora predicts further reinforcements will continue. Marco Verratti (PSG) and Alexander Mitrovic (Fulham) are also on the list of targets.
If all these ‘big names’ come together, Al Hilal will become the new ‘Galactic Legion’, the most expensive club in the world.
The term “Galacticos” is synonymous with “Earth Defense Force,” a nickname that Real Madrid earned in the past when they were enjoying their golden age by building an ultra-luxury squad with the best players on the planet.
Al Hilal had previously spent €60 million ($87.4 billion) on Malcom, the highest transfer fee in Saudi and non-European league history, and now they are set to surpass that record with Neymar. 먹튀검증