January 28 – The cancellation of injury-prone Neymar’s contract at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal could ease the path to a return to Santos in Brazil where he started his career. Rumours are that he could return as both a player and investor.
The 32-year-old Brazil international joined Al-Hilal for €90 million in August 2023 but has only played seven times for the club after injuries. His contract, a reported €150 million annually, was terminated by mutual consent.
Neymar’s time in Saudia Arabia has been nothing short of disastrous. Brazil’s all-time top goal scorer suffered a serious injury while representing Brazil against Uruguay on October 17, 2023 rapturing his ACL, before sustaining another injury during an AFC Champions League match.
Last November the rumours of Neymar’s impending return to his roots caused a stir at Al Hilal, who have paid an estimated €27 million a game for his services leading his agent, Pini Zahavi, to deny the speculation and claim that Neymar is very happy in the Saudi Pro League.
According to L’Equipe, Neymar and his father are working with an investment fund to explore the feasibility of a purchase that would see him return both as a player and investor.
Santos are currently valued at approximately $242 million.
After the embarrassment of relegation for the club that produced, and developed the world’s greatest ever player, Pele, Santos is now back in the top-flight, and the return of the prodigal son as both a player and owner is a tantalising prospect.
Neymar is a product of the youth system at Santos, where he scored 136 goals in 225 games, before moving to Barcelona in 2013.
He made 186 appearances across four seasons at Barca, winning two La Liga titles, the Champions League and the Club World Cup before his world-record £200 million move to PSG, aged 25.
At PSG he won five league titles prior to his move to Saudi Arabia.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1738251918labto1738251918ofdlr1738251918owedi1738251918sni@o1738251918fni1738251918