In a significant development, Al Hilal announced on Monday that they have mutually agreed to terminate Neymar’s contract, paving the way for the Brazilian superstar’s return to Santos.
The Saudi Pro League club shared the news on social media, wishing Neymar success in his future endeavors.
Neymar’s Return to Santos in the Works
Neymar’s next chapter seems destined to unfold in his native Brazil. According to sources, the 32-year-old forward is set to sign a six-month deal with Santos, with an option for an additional year.
Santos, the club where Neymar rose through the ranks, plans to unveil him to fans later this week, potentially on Thursday or Friday.
Neymar Accepts Salary Reduction for Santos Move
To facilitate his return, Neymar has reportedly agreed to forgo a significant portion of his salary. Sources indicate he will waive between $25 million and $30 million of the $65 million remaining on his Al Hilal contract, which was set to run until the summer of 2024.
Struggles at Al Hilal
Neymar joined Al Hilal in the summer of 2023 from Paris Saint-Germain for a transfer fee of $97.6 million. However, his stint in Saudi Arabia was marred by injuries.
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Shortly after signing, he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while on international duty. Despite returning to action in October, a subsequent hamstring injury limited him to just seven appearances, during which he scored a single goal in an AFC Champions League match against Nassaji Mazandaran.
Earlier this month, Al Hilal manager Jorge Jesus confirmed that Neymar was free to explore other opportunities, signaling the end of his brief tenure with the club.
A Storied Career Set for a Homecoming
Despite recent challenges, Neymar remains a global icon, celebrated for his achievements with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
During his time with Barcelona (2013–2017), he formed a legendary trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, winning a UEFA Champions League title, two LaLiga championships, and three Copa del Rey trophies.
He later moved to PSG, where he claimed five Ligue 1 titles, three French Cups, and two French League Cups.
Neymar began his professional journey with Santos in 2009 and played a pivotal role in their 2011 Copa Libertadores victory, scoring in the final against Peñarol. Santos recently secured promotion to Brazil’s top flight, making Neymar’s return a timely boost for the club.
International Success
On the international stage, Neymar holds the record as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances. Among his many highlights is leading Brazil to a gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
As Neymar prepares to rejoin Santos, fans eagerly await his homecoming and the impact he’ll bring to a team striving for success in Brazil’s Serie A. This move could mark a fresh start for the Brazilian icon while reigniting the passion of his early career.
