Is Neymar A Problem for Al-Hilal and Saudi Arabia?

Neymar has not had the best time in Saudi Arabia since his transfer from PSG and he has now been labelled a problem for Al-Hilal by journalists and fans.

The Brazilian winger completed a move to the Saudi Pro League for €90 million and assisted two goals in his debut game.

But Al-Hilal’s owners and fans are disappointed in Neymar and their other big European recruits for their lacklustre performances and attitude since that 6-1 win over Al-Riyadh.

Neymar has been criticised for being slower, grumpier and more predictable in their Asian Champions League match.

The 31-year-old wanted to leave PSG in the summer and move to another European giant, however when no one called and no one was willing to pay him the monster wages he demanded, a move to Saudi Arabia was the only destination.

Sources close to Neymar claim that he is lonely after leaving behind his old life and that could have affected his form, but his relationship with manager Jorge Jesus is strained and they clashed over his international commitments.

Neymar arrived injured to Saudi Arabia, and Jesus was unhappy that he travelled to Brazil to compete in the 2026 World Cup qualifying, where he broke Pele’s scoring record for the national team.

Jesus feels he prioritises Brazil over his club who pay his wages and that the trip was unnecessary.

And after Al-Hilal were held to a 1-1 draw against Damac yesterday, fans were angry about Neymar’s performance.

Neymar had a 6.1 rating, no shots on target, one big chance missed and failed with four attempted dribbles. To make matters worse, he lost all duels against the opposition. Fans have demanded that the club sell the player.

It is early stages in his Al-Hilal career but is time already running out for the winger to impress fans who have waited for the biggest stars to play in the Asian continent.

Also, will Malcom, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Ruben Neves and Alexander Mitrovic be able to turn the tide on ill-will felt towards the high-earning superstars?

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