Neymar rises as the most expensive soccer player

It was confirmed that Neymar is to transfer to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) of the French Ligue 1. European media outlets reported on Thursday that Neymar agreed a 5-year contract with PSG. Furthermore, the British media Sky Sports told that Neymar will arrive in Paris within the next two days to close the details of the contract.

When the deal is closed, Neymar who played for the F.C. Barcelona at the Spanish Primera Liga, will become the most expensive player in the world. According to BBC, Neymar will earn 865,000 euros a week. In terms of annual salary, his estimated earnings at around 45 million euros will surpass 40million euros, which his Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi will receive after renewing his contract last month by 2021.

Indeed, Neymar was also transferred at a record-high price. The 222 million euros spent and received between the two clubs is more than twice as that of 105 million euros that Paul Pogba recorded when he transferred from the Juventus F.C. to the Manchester United. BBC predicted that PSG will invest a total of 400 million pounds to retain Neymar for the next five years.

Seung-Kun Lee why@donga.com