Brazilian football superstar Neymar is reportedly nearing a sensational return to his boyhood club Santos. The 32-year-old is expected to leave Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal after the club’s manager suggested that the forward may no longer be capable of competing at the highest level.
Neymar joined Al-Hilal in the summer of 2023 in a blockbuster £78 million move from Paris Saint-Germain but has endured a difficult stint. Restricted to just seven appearances, his time at the club has been marred by injuries.
The former Barcelona star is currently recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in November, shortly after returning from a year-long absence due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus injury suffered while on international duty with Brazil. Renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Santos, Neymar’s first professional club, have submitted a formal loan proposal to Al-Hilal. The Brazilian side is awaiting approval from the Saudi club.
Romano shared the update on social media, writing: “Neymar Jr, close to returning to Santos as the Brazilian club has now submitted formal loan proposal!
Santos are waiting for green light from Al Hilal, timing depends on the Saudi club. Santos, way ahead of Chicago Fire in Ney race.”
Should the deal materialize, Neymar would receive a hero’s welcome back at Santos, where he began his career. During his time there, he scored 107 goals in 177 appearances, establishing himself as one of football’s brightest talents before his move to Barcelona in 2013.
Neymar is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, with reports linking him to a potential move to Major League Soccer as early as this month.
Al-Hilal manager Jorge Jesus recently spoke about Neymar’s situation, acknowledging the challenges posed by his long-term injury:
“When I created this team it was with Mitrovic and Neymar, before he had this injury that has left him out of the competition for 14 or 15 months,” Jesus said. “Things have become difficult for him, unfortunately.
He is still under contract, and it may be up to him to decide his future. It depends on the club, on the administration. The only thing I know is that Neymar is not registered.”
The Saudi transfer window remains open until January 31, leaving the door ajar for Neymar to finalize his next move.
