Neymar is reportedly close to rejoining his boyhood club Santos after being sidelined at Al-Hilal. The Brazilian superstar, who signed with the Saudi Pro League side for £78 million in 2023, has been hampered by a series of injuries, limiting him to just seven appearances and one goal.
Now 32, Neymar is 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 in his left knee. Al-Hilal’s decision not to register him for the second half of the season has paved the way for Santos to step in.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed Santos has submitted a formal loan proposal to bring Neymar back. Negotiations with Al-Hilal are ongoing, with the Brazilian side reportedly ahead of MLS club Chicago Fire in the race for the forward.
Santos holds a special place in Neymar’s career. He rose to global prominence there, scoring 107 goals in 177 matches before his high-profile moves to Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. A return would likely be met with an outpouring of support from fans eager to welcome back one of their most iconic players.
Despite his injury struggles, Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 international goals. However, his time at Al-Hilal has been marred by setbacks, prompting the club’s manager, Jorge Jesus, to question his current ability to compete at the highest level.
Neymar’s potential move to Santos offers a fresh chapter for the forward, with his contract at Al-Hilal set to expire at the end of the season. Meanwhile, MLS interest looms, keeping fans guessing about where his future lies.
If finalized, the Santos deal would mark an emotional homecoming for Neymar, giving him the chance to reignite his career where it all began.
