Shock Neymar return takes shape as superstar sends message

Tom Weber

Updated: 4 Nov 2024 15:50 GMT
3 min read

Neymar, Lionel Messi, Barcelona — © IMAGO

Santos are working on bringing Neymar back to the club in 2025, according to Spanish media.

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The iconic Brazilian side are one step away from sealing promotion back to Serie A. A comfortable 3-0 victory over Vila Nova has them within touching distance of returning to the top flight after their first-ever (and they will hope only) season in Serie B.

After the game, the club's former golden boy Neymar rang attacker Guilherme during the press conference to congratulate the team on the win and on all but sealing promotion.

It was a moment that once again illustrated Neymar's close connection with his ex-club and drew attention to the fact that Santos dream of bringing the former Barcelona and PSG superstar back.

© IMAGO - Neymar playing poker in a Santos kit

Santos working on Neymar return

Club chiefs have never made a secret of this desire and board member Osvaldo Nico recently went so far as to claim that “Neymar arrives in June. That is the conversation we are having.”

As things stand, however, a return of the 32-year-old still seems quite far away. Neymar is under contract at Saudi side Al-Hilal until next summer and he recently returned to the pitch after his heartbreaking ACL injury.

Nevertheless, according to AS, Santos are hard at work trying to pull off this transfer coup. Neymar himself has always insisted that he would return to the club one day, though he has also repeatedly stated he wants to play in MLS at some point in his career.

Diretamente da Arábia Saudita... NEYMAR JR! 🤍🖤@neymarjr @NeymarJrSite pic.twitter.com/ddNdRySIiw
— Santos FC (@SantosFC) November 3, 2024

His adventure in Saudi Arabia hasn't gone to plan and local dealmakers are said to be unhappy with the winger. Neymar arrived on a lucrative two-year deal after Al-Hilal paid a whopping €90 million for the veteran.

To date, the Brazilian has only made six appearances for the Riyadh giants and both parties appear ready to part ways when his contract expires. Is a return to Santos on the cards?