Saudi's Al-Hilal sign Koulibaly from Chelsea

AFP

Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly has joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal from Premier League side Chelsea, the two clubs announced on Sunday.

"We'll continue to make history together," Al-Hilal wrote on Twitter, alongside a short video featuring Koulibaly.

The four-times Asian Champions League winners said Koulibaly's contract would run until 2026 without giving any financial details. British media reported that the Saudi club would pay around 17 million pounds ($21.61 million) for the centre back.

"I'm here with those who make the glory in the present and the future," the Africa Cup of Nations winner said.

Koulibaly scored two goals in 32 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea after joining them from Napoli last July.

The 32-year-old is the second player moving to Al-Hilal from the English Premier League after Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday.

The Saudi Pro league has become attractive to Europe-based players since Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Al-Nassr last January.

League Champions Al-Ittihad signed Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema earlier this month, while the club has also confirmed that former Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante is joining them.

Al-Hilal are the most decorated club in Saudi Arabia and Asia having won 66 trophies, and they hold the record for league and Asian Champions titles with 18 and four respectively.

Boosting their squad is a priority for the Riyadh-based club, who have lost their league and Champions League crowns.

Spanish media report that they are also keen to secure the services of Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva.

More from Sports News

News

  • Dubai Police spearhead global fraud crackdown

    Dubai Police have led a major international operation targeting transnational financial crime, resulting in the arrest of 276 suspects and the dismantling of nine criminal centres linked to investment fraud and virtual currency scams.

  • UAE launches National Register of Modern Heritage

    The UAE has launched a National Register of Modern Heritage as part of wider efforts to preserve cultural landmarks and strengthen Emirati identity across future generations.

  • UAE leaders hold talks with Bahrain King

    UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain on Wednesday, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court.