At 32, Neymar is expected to return to his boyhood club soon after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
Neymar joined Al-Hilal for a fee of £77.6 million after leaving PSG in the summer of 2023. ..Continue Reading
Unfortunately, his stint in the Gulf State was marred by injuries, and the former Barcelona star managed to score just once in seven games over a 16-month period, which cost the club £10.5 million in wages per game, according to talkSPORT.
Al-Hilal released a brief statement confirming the player’s departure.
“Al Hilal and Neymar Jr. have agreed to terminate the player’s contract by mutual consent,” read the statement posted to X.
“Thank you and good luck, Neymar.”
Now, a return to Santos looks imminent with journalist Fabrizio Romano issuing an update via X on Monday.
“Neymar Jr back to Santos, story confirmed and HERE WE GO!” he wrote.
“Al Hilal have terminated Ney’s contract with immediate effect as the Brazilian will now travel for medical and sign in as new Santos player. Back to Santos, back to Vila Belmiro.”
At 32, Neymar is not particularly old, especially when compared to players like Mohamed Salah, who is also 32, and Robert Lewandowski, 36, both of whom continue to perform at an elite level.
However, the Brazilian has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, and a potential move to Santos suggests that his time at the top level might be drawing to a close.
While it now seems unlikely that Neymar will play in the Premier League, he once expressed admiration for four Premier League clubs back in 2017.
“I like the playing style and the teams [in the Premier League],” he told The Sun. “And who knows, someday, I would like to play at it, yes.
“I admire Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool — these are the teams that are always there fighting.”
