Just over a week ago, Neymar made a special appearance at Santos, the club where his career began, for a local final against Palmeiras. Despite being a divisive figure, Neymar was welcomed as a returning hero by the fans. During his time at Santos, he led the club to victory in the CONMEBOL Libertadores, a significant achievement after decades since Pelé's era.
There is speculation about Neymar's potential return to Santos in the future, with former player Rivaldo expressing belief in this possibility. Neymar, currently recovering from an injury, will become a free agent next year when his contract with Al Hilal expires. This timing aligns with the idea of Neymar returning to Santos to prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
Santos, a small club compared to others in Brazil, has a rich history of producing talented players. However, financial challenges have plagued the club, leading to issues such as relegation and financial mismanagement. The club heavily relies on player sales for revenue, but the lack of a potential big-money transfer could pose a threat to their financial stability.
Experts warn of a looming financial crisis at Santos, which may necessitate a transition to a business model to survive. Legal changes in Brazil allow clubs to be owned by capital from home or abroad, making Santos a potential candidate for such a transformation.
The possibility of Neymar's return to Santos has sparked discussions about potential business developments involving the club. While Neymar brought luck to Santos in a recent match, the team faced defeat in the final, losing to Palmeiras. The focus now shifts to the upcoming national leagues as Santos aims to secure promotion back to the first division.
Despite a recent FIFA transfer ban, Santos appears to have navigated around the issue, potentially reaching an agreement with a Russian club. The hope remains that Neymar will make a symbolic return to Santos next year, reuniting with the club where he made a name for himself in his early career.
