Neymar set for Santos return after Al-Hilal exit
Brazilian side Santos is in talks to re-sign Neymar after his agreement with Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal was terminated by mutual consent.
Brazilian superstar Neymar is reportedly close to rejoining his boyhood club, Santos, following the termination of his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal by mutual consent.
Neymar’s Journey Back to Santos
The 32-year-old Brazil all-time leading scorer is expected to sign a short-term deal with Santos, the club where he began his professional career.
Heads close to Neymar have described the termination of his Al-Hilal contract as the most significant step in paving the way for his return to Brazil.
This move comes after a challenging stint in Saudi Arabia, where Neymar managed just seven appearances for Al-Hilal, following his £77.6 million transfer in August 2023.
The attacker had been sidelined for much of his time with the club due to injuries, including a ruptured ACL sustained during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023.
Al-Hilal expressed gratitude in their statement, saying:
“The club expresses its thanks and appreciation to Neymar for what he has provided at Al-Hilal and wishes the player success in his career.”
Interest from MLS and Other Clubs
Before committing to Santos, Neymar turned down an approach from Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer (MLS). The Fire, who held exclusive negotiation rights for Neymar in the MLS under the “discovery list” system, were unable to lure the player to the United States.
There had also been speculation of a potential reunion with his former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami, but Neymar ultimately chose to return to his roots at Santos.
A Career of Highs and Challenges
Neymar remains the world’s most expensive footballer, following his £200 million move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017. His career highlights include:
- Santos (2009–2013): 136 goals in 225 matches.
- Barcelona (2013–2017): 186 appearances, two La Liga titles, one Champions League, and one Club World Cup.
- Paris Saint-Germain (2017–2023): Five Ligue 1 titles.
In September 2023, Neymar surpassed Pelé to become Brazil’s all-time leading male goalscorer with 78 goals. However, he has not featured for the national team since his ACL injury.
Looking Ahead
Neymar’s return to Santos marks a full-circle moment in his career and offers a chance to reignite his legacy at the club where it all began.
With his injury struggles behind him, fans are eager to see if the forward can replicate the magic that first brought him to global prominence.