Neymar Eyes Return to Santos Amid Saudi League Struggles

SANTOS, Brazil — Brazilian soccer star Neymar Jr. is in talks to return to his former club Santos FC after a challenging stint with Saudi Arabia‘s Al-Hilal. The 32-year-old forward, whose contract with Al-Hilal expires mid-2025, is negotiating a six-month deal with Santos, with hopes of extending the agreement through the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Neymar, who began his career at Santos, has struggled with injuries during his time in Saudi Arabia, playing only seven matches since joining in 2023. His most severe injury, a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee in November 2023, sidelined him for months. Al-Hilal’s coach, Jorge Jesus, recently stated that Neymar “can no longer perform at the level we are accustomed to” and confirmed the player would not be registered for the Saudi Pro League.

Santos FC, eager to bring back their prodigal son, faces financial challenges in securing the deal. The club hopes to leverage Neymar’s desire to prepare for the 2026 World Cup in the U.S. by offering a longer contract. “The possibility of having him for six months is our immediate hope, but we aim for a year and a half,” a Santos spokesperson said.

Neymar’s return to Brazil could provide a much-needed boost to Santos, which has struggled in recent years. The club is banking on his star power to attract sponsors and fans. However, the financial burden of his salary remains a significant hurdle. “We are exploring all options to make this happen,” the spokesperson added.

Despite the optimism, Neymar’s injury history and high wage demands complicate negotiations. His two-year stint in Saudi Arabia reportedly earned him €160 million, a figure Santos cannot match. “It’s a complex situation, but we believe in the emotional connection Neymar has with Santos,” the spokesperson noted.

As discussions continue, Brazilian fans eagerly await the potential homecoming of one of the country’s most iconic players. Whether Neymar dons the Santos jersey again remains to be seen, but the prospect has already reignited hope among supporters.