LONDON: Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly became the latest star name to head to Saudi Arabia on Sunday as he joined Al-Hilal from 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 joined the Blues just last year from Napoli for a reported 33 million ($42 million). However, the 32-year-old struggled in the Premier League as Chelsea finished 12th — their lowest league finish since 1994.

“Kalidou Koulibaly has left Chelsea after completing a permanent transfer to Saudi Professional League side Al-Hilal,” Chelsea said in a statement. “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.”

Published in Dawn, June 27th, 2023