Brazilian club Santos are currently engaged in talks to re-sign Neymar, following the recent termination of his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, which was mutually agreed upon. This decision marks a significant shift in Neymar’s career trajectory, as he prepares to return to the club where it all began for him.
The 32-year-old Brazil international is anticipated to sign a short-term deal with Santos, a move that has generated excitement among fans and commentators alike. In recent statements, sources close to Neymar have described the termination of his contract at Al-Hilal as the most critical step in this transitional phase of his career. After what has been a particularly challenging period for him in Saudi Arabia, characterized by injuries, Neymar managed to play only seven matches following his transfer in August 2023, which reportedly cost Al-Hilal £77.6 million.
Neymar’s time at Al-Hilal was marred by frustration, as he made just two appearances this season, with the latest being a substitute appearance in November. The club has publicly expressed its gratitude to Neymar for his contributions, wishing him success as he embarks on this new chapter in his professional journey.
While Santos looks to bring Neymar back, Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire made their own attempts to lure him to the United States. However, Neymar ultimately chose to decline their offer in favor of returning to Brazil. Chicago Fire had Neymar on their ‘discovery list’, granting them exclusive rights to negotiate with him within the MLS framework. Additionally, Inter Miami was also linked with the idea of reuniting Neymar with his former Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, further demonstrating the interest in the Brazilian star.
Neymar is still recognized as the world’s most expensive footballer, following his high-profile transfer to Paris St-Germain in 2017 for £200 million. At the time, his decision to join PSG was seen as an opportunity to “write new sporting history.” However, during his time at Al-Hilal, he encountered serious hurdles, including a severe knee injury that sidelined him after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023.
The Brazilian forward had around seven months left on his lucrative contract with Al-Hilal, having initially signed a two-year deal with an astonishing reported wage of €150 million (£129.2 million) per year. His initial excitement about moving to Saudi Arabia was dampened by his inability to make a lasting impact on the pitch due to injuries. After returning to action in October last year, he appeared to have overcome some of his issues, but he has not been able to take the field since.
Before his stint in Europe, Neymar made a name for himself at Santos, coming through the club’s esteemed youth academy. During his time there, he netted an impressive 136 goals in 225 appearances. His talent eventually led him to a high-profile move to Barcelona in 2013, where he further solidified his status as a world-class player. Over four successful seasons with Barcelona, Neymar made 186 appearances, contributing to the team’s triumphs, which included winning two La Liga titles, the Champions League, and the Club World Cup, before he made the record-breaking move to PSG as a 25-year-old.
In Paris, Neymar continued his success, winning five league titles. Notably, shortly after his transfer to Al-Hilal, he surpassed the legendary Pele to become Brazil’s all-time leading male goalscorer, achieving 78 goals. Unfortunately, his international career has stalled since he sustained his knee injury in 2023, and he has not featured for the national team since then. As Neymar considers his future, the possibility of returning to Santos not only holds nostalgic value but also presents an opportunity to revive his form and impact in football.
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