Neymar transfer to PSG sets record.

Neymar has become the most expensive player in soccer history after completing his blockbuster transfer to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona on Thursday for 222 million euros ($262 million).

PSG triggered the release clause in the forward’s Barcelona contract, which was more than double the previous transfer record set a year ago when Manchester United paid 105 million euros (then $116 million) for Paul Pogba.

PSG said in a statement that the 25-year-old Neymar, who’s escaping the shadow of five-time world player of the year Lionel Messi, had signed a fiveyear contract, until June 2022.

In his four seasons in Spain, Neymar scored 105 goals as Barcelona won the Champions League, Club World Cup, two Spanish league titles and Copa del Rey three times.

“I am extremely happy to join Paris Saint-Germain,” Neymar said in a statement. “Since I arrived in Europe, the club has always been one of the most competitive and most ambitious. And the biggest challenge, what most motivated me to join my new teammates, is to help the club to conquer the titles that their fans want.”