Neymar twist! Saudi NIGHTMARE not over despite dream transfer

Tom Weber

Updated: 20 Jan 2025 14:48 GMT
3 min read

Neymar playing poker in Las Vegas — © IMAGO

Neymar is keen to return to Santos this month, but he could actually extend his Al-Hilal contract before departing, according to a report.

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The Brazilian megastar's time in Saudi Arabia has been nothing short of a disaster. Signed by Al-Hilal for €90 million in the summer of 2023 to be one of the faces of the nouveau riche league, Neymar has barely played for the Riyadh giants.

Injuries have seen the 32-year-old restricted to just seven appearances in 18 months and head coach Jorge Jesus recently announced that Neymar would not be registered for the second half of the Pro League season due to his persistent fitness issues.

This has piqued the interest of suitors and given rise to rampant speculation. MLS club Chicago Fire have approached the winger's camp over a move, and Neymar did previously express an interest in playing in the US.

However, it appears that he has changed his mind and is instead gunning for a return to boyhood club Santos, who were promoted back to Serie A late last year after suffering a historic relegation the season prior.

Neymar to extend Al-Hilal deal?

According to Ben Jacobs, Neymar is indeed keen to head back to his native Brazil and talks between the two clubs over a six-month loan are ongoing.

Interestingly, this won't necessarily mean that Neymar's Saudi is coming to an end despite the fact that he is out of contract in the summer. In fact, the 32-year-old could actually extend his Al-Hilal deal before returning to Santos.

Jacobs reports that several dealmakers at Al-Hilal and the Saudi Public Investment Fund at large are determined to get Neymar to commit to a new contract so that he would be part of the Riyadh outfit's Club World Cup squad.

Moreover, negotiations over a new Pro League TV rights deal are coming up and Saudi chiefs know that having superstars like Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo tied down for the foreseeable future will give them more leverage in the talks and make the league more attractive.

Finally, Neymar is expected to be an ambassador for the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia, so both he and Saudi bosses are trying to ensure that if he leaves, he does so on good terms to not jeopardise his future role.