Rumors regarding Neymar’s future at Al Hilal have grown stronger in recent weeks, especially after it was revealed that he will be sidelined for four to six weeks due to a thigh tendon injury. Reports indicate that Neymar is considering terminating his contract with the Saudi club to make a move back to his childhood team, Santos.
While other teams, such as Inter Miami, which has been linked to a potential reunion with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, have shown interest, Neymar’s ties to Santos seem to be the most compelling. Santos, where the Brazilian began his career at the age of 10 in 2003 and made his mark before joining Barcelona in 2013, looks set to bring their star back home.
Just a week ago, Marcio Calves, the executive director of the Brazilian club, provided an optimistic outlook for Santos fans regarding Neymar’s potential return. He stated, “I believe there’s a 60% chance Neymar will join us once his contract with Al Hilal concludes. He may be open to taking a pay cut because of his deep love for Santos and his focus on the 2026 World Cup.”
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Neymar has reached an AGREEMENT to return to his boyhood club, Santos! 🇧🇷
Talks are underway to terminate his contract with Al Hilal.
🗞️ @CLMerlo pic.twitter.com/ZC1Yz528iY
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) November 17, 2024
Neymar’s potential return is seen as a key part of Santos’ strategy to restore itself as a leading force in South American football. Club executives believe his arrival could pave the way for more high-profile signings, with rumors linking players such as Gabriel Barbosa, Ganso, and ex-Real Madrid defender Danilo as targets for 2025, aligning with Santos’ anticipated return to Brazil’s top division.
By the time Neymar departed Santos in 2013, he had already solidified his legacy at the club. In just over a season and a half, he racked up 55 goals and 18 assists in 70 appearances, earning him fifth place in that year’s Ballon d’Or rankings, an impressive feat for a player competing in a league with relatively low global recognition.
Although Neymar may be gearing up for an early exit from Al Hilal, he is still required to stay with the team for their upcoming fixtures until his move to Santos is finalized. Currently sidelined due to injury, he will have to watch from the sidelines as Al Hilal faces Al-Khaleej on Saturday, November 23rd.
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Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
