The Brazilian megastar recently returned from a year-long absence following a torn anterior cruciate ligament, but quickly found himself sidelined again with a muscle problem.
His transfer to Al-Hilal was not a success. Recruited from PSG for the modest sum of 90 million euros in 2023, the 32-year-old has spent more time on the treatment table – or playing poker – than on the pitch.
With his contract ending next summer, there is a realistic scenario in which Neymar leaves Riyadh after just seven games, although there is an option to extend his contract for another season.
However, with the Saudi Pro League and Asian Champions League only allowing a limited number of foreigners, it has been reported that Al-Hilal could cut their losses instead of potentially wasting a valuable roster spot – and a lot of money – on a perpetually injured player.
Neymar’s father breaks the silence
A return to his boyhood club Santos has been mooted and club officials have repeatedly expressed their desire and ambition to bring Neymar back, with the player himself also previously stating that he wants to return one day.
Now his father Neymar Santos Sr. has spoken about the 32-year-old’s future, admitting that the chance to freely choose his next club is a ” gift » and that his team is preparing for the transfer market.
“Let’s wait and see what will happen and how Neymar will really feel. He will be free to decide. We have never been more free to decide where we go and having a free 32-year-old at our fingertips is a gift for any businessman”he told Roundcast.
Neymar completely free
“We never made plans. The only plan we had was to go to Barcelona. The rest… PSG was crazy, it became a whirlwind (…) Al Hilal too. These are things that happened. »
“And today Neymar has a contract until 2025. We don’t know anything. I see the speculation and we have started preparing for it. I know the market is waiting to see how it will recover, but it always comes back better than it was. And it won’t be any different. »
For now, however, Neymar is determined to return to full fitness and is looking forward to playing in the Club World Cup. “ All the clubs will be there and Al-Hilal will be in this championship, they won this place“, said his father. “ They already have one of the biggest stars they could have to compete in this championship and a boy with experience”
