Brazilian superstar Neymar is reportedly close to sealing a move back to his boyhood club, Santos, after falling out of favor at Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
The 32-year-old is on the brim of a move back to his boyhood club in Brazil. His contract in Saudi Arabia is likely to be terminated in association with the potential move. Both clubs are expected to sit and hold talks this week in the hope of reaching an agreement.
“Neymar can no longer play at the level we are used to,” said Al Hilal’s Team manager Jorge Jesus.
Things have not gone as per the plan for the winger in Saudi Arabia since his move from PSG in the summer of 2023. First, he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament while on international duty shortly after joining Al Hilal. He later returned to action in October but was again hindered by a hamstring injury.
As a result he has made only seven appearances both in the league and cup since joining the Saudi giants back in 2023, scoring just once. In the 2024/2025 season, Neymar was not registered to play in the Saudi Pro League leaving him only eligible to play in the Asian Champions League.
Despite being linked with a move to MLS side Chicago Fire, Neymar preferred to return to Brazil and play for Santos the club where he made his debut at the age of 17. With his contract set to expire this summer, he has opted to terminate his contract at Al Hilal. This means he will lose out on around £52million ($65million).
If the agreement with Sants falls in place, Neymar is set to sign a six-month contract, which will have the option to be extended an additional year, with Santos. If the deal with Santos is completed, Neymar is set to travel to Brazil this week and could play for Santos as soon as 5th February.
Neymar began his professional career with Santos in 2009 and was instrumental in helping them to a Copa Libertadores triumph in 2011. In this season he scored in the second leg of the final, a 2-1 win over Uruguayan side Penarol.
While he has struggled for consistency in Saudi Arabia, Neymar remains a household name in world football thanks to his exploits alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez from the trio’s time together at Barcelona.In that time, he was part of sides that won the UEFA Champions League in 2015, as well as two LaLiga titles, and three Copa del Reys.
He later moved to PSG in 2017, where he won five Ligue 1 titles, three Coupe de Frances, and two Coupe de la Ligue. He has made 128 appearances for Brazil. The forward was also part of the Brazil side that won the gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics, which took place in Rio de Janeiro.
