Ex-Premier League star to be 'banished' from Saudi Pro League squad to make room for Neymar

One former Premier League star has reportedly been banished by his club as they make room for Neymar.

Back in the summer of 2023, Brazilian star Neymar ditched European football when he left French giants Paris Saint Germain for Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal.

However, the 32-year-old's time in the Middle East has been hampered by multiple injury problems. In total, Neymar has only made seven appearances for Al Hilal, scoring just once.

Recently, there were reports linking Neymar with a move away from Al Hilal, but his agent Pini Zahavi has denied the rumours and says no discussions have taken place.

"There are no talks ongoing for Neymar to leave Al-Hilal," he said, as per Fabrizio Romano.

"He’s under contract and very happy there. Neymar’s father and me, we are the only people who can talk about Ney’s future. I don’t know where recent rumours are coming from".

After overcoming his latest injury problem, the Brazilian is set to be registered in Al Hilal's Saudi Professional League squad, at the expense of one former Premier League star.

As reported by the Daily Mail, Neymar will be re-registered at the expense of former Chelsea and Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.

The report stated: "While there is still plenty of uncertainty over the future of Neymar, Al-Hilal have already reportedly come to the decision that they will be terminating Koulibaly's contract or loan him out until the end of 2026."

Kalidou Koulibaly has had a tough time at Al Hilal. Image: Getty

Koulibaly's impressive spell at Napoli earned him a big-money move to Chelsea in 2022 for a reported fee of £34 million.

However, the defender had a tough time in London, which ended last summer when he became one of many big-name players to leave Europe for Saudi Arabia.

Currently, Al Hilal are second in the Saudi Professional League table, two points behind Al Ittihad, who have the likes of Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante and Fabinho in their ranks.

Jorge Jesus' Al Hilal will be back in action on Tuesday evening when they take on Al Gharafa in the AFC Champions League.