Neymar to Rejoin Santos After Al-Hilal Stint
Former FC Barcelona star Neymar has made the decision to leave Al-Hilal and return to his first club, Santos, according to reports from El Nacional. Neymar, who signed with the Saudi Pro league team last summer in a lucrative deal, has faced setbacks due to injury and is now looking to start afresh.
The Brazilian forward joined Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth up to $109 million (£86 million). However, his time with his new team has been plagued by misfortune. Neymar only managed to participate in five games across all competitions before suffering a devastating ACL and meniscus rupture while on international duty for the Brazilian national team in October.
As a result of his injury, Neymar had to bid farewell to the rest of the season as well as the upcoming Copa America, where Brazil will attempt to reclaim their title from bitter rivals Argentina. However, the 32-year-old is expected to return to action in August and resume his football career in the Middle East.
Despite this, reports suggest that Neymar has already decided to leave Saudi Arabia when his two-year contract expires. He plans to reunite with Santos, the club where it all began for him at the age of 11. The potential move hinges on Santos' ability to regain their position in Brazil's top championship, the Serie A. If successful, Neymar could join o peixe in mid-2025 when the South American football season is well underway.
The decision to return to Santos would likely be seen favorably by Brazil's new national team manager, Dorival Jr. Currently in Europe to assess players like Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, Vitor Roque, and Raphinha, who represent top clubs such as Real Madrid, Neymar's move back to Brazil could enhance his chances of being called up for the 2026 World Cup set to be held in North America.
However, to rejoin Santos, Neymar would have to accept a significant reduction in his current salary. In 2023, he ranked third on Forbes' list of the World's Highest-Paid Soccer Players, earning a staggering $80 million solely from his on-field exploits. Such earnings are far beyond the reach of most clubs, let alone those in his homeland.
Nevertheless, Neymar's desire to return to his roots and contribute to the growth of Santos showcases his commitment to his footballing journey. With his talent and experience, his reintegration into Brazilian football could bring new excitement to the local league and potentially boost his national team prospects.
As Neymar aims to overcome his injury setback and find success once again, fans eagerly await his return to the pitch, whether it be in Saudi Arabia or his beloved Santos. The next chapter in his illustrious career is yet to unfold, but one thing is for certain – Neymar's passion for the game remains unwavering.
