Chelsea’s Koulibaly is the latest soccer star to head to Saudi Arabia

LONDON (AP) — Kalidou Koulibaly grew to become the newest soccer star to move to Saudi Arabia on Sunday after becoming a member of Al-Hilal from Chelsea on a three-year contract.

The Senegal worldwide has adopted within the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante by opting to play within the profitable Saudi Pro League.

Al-Hilal, Saudi’s most profitable group, this week additionally signed Portugal worldwide Ruben Neves from Wolverhampton.

“From London Blues to Asia’s Leader,” Al-Hilal tweeted when saying Koulibaly’s arrival.

Financial particulars weren’t revealed.

The 32-year-old centre-back solely spent a 12 months at Chelsea — after signing from Napoli on a four-year contract final summer time — and performed 32 video games for the membership in all competitions. He is a part of a raft of anticipated departures from Chelsea to numerous locations, together with Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, Hakim Ziyech, Edouard Mendy, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Romelu Lukaku.

“We would like to thank Kalidou for his contributions on and off the pitch during his time at Stamford Bridge and wish him well for the next stage of his career,” Chelsea mentioned.

Koulibaly was seen as one among Europe’s high defenders earlier than becoming a member of Chelsea, however was a part of a massively disappointing season for the London membership, which noticed it end twelfth within the Premier League.

“From my first game to my last, it was an honour to wear this badge,” he tweeted. “Last season wasn’t the one we wanted, but I want to thank the fans and everyone at the club for your support”

Saudi soccer has launched into an bold recruitment drive this summer time because it targets a bunch of gamers from Europe’s high leagues.

Al-Hilal was reportedly main the chase for Lionel Messi earlier than the Argentine nice opted for a transfer to Inter Miami. But that has not stopped the Saudi league’s makes an attempt to herald extra main gamers, with Arsenal’s Thomas Partey and Manchester United’s Alex Telles additionally linked.