Al-Hilal May Terminate Neymar’s Contract in January

Brazilian football star Neymar is reportedly facing the prospect of being axed by Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in January due to his ongoing injury issues.

The 32-year-old striker made his return to Al-Hilal last month after a year-long absence, following a torn ACL in his left knee that he sustained while playing for Brazil in October 2023.

However, Neymar suffered a setback on Monday when he was forced off just 29 minutes after coming on as a substitute during Al-Hilal’s Asian Champions League victory over Esteghlal.

While Neymar downplayed the injury, suggesting it was simply a cramp in his right thigh, Brazilian media reports indicate he could be sidelined for at least three weeks.

Now, Brazilian outlet UOL (via msn.com) is reporting that Al-Hilal is considering parting ways with Neymar in January.

The club is said to have growing concerns about his ability to contribute in the final six months of the season, especially with his £130 million-per-year contract set to expire at the end of the campaign.

Al-Hilal is reportedly weighing the option of a mutual termination of Neymar’s contract in January, which would allow them to offload his wages and give manager Jorge Jesus more flexibility with his squad.

Neymar is one of eight foreign players over the age of 21 in the Al-Hilal squad, meaning the club is at their limit for overseas imports under Saudi Pro League rules.

With the other seven foreign players becoming integral to the team in Neymar’s absence, his future at the club is now in doubt.

A contract termination would also open the door for Neymar to return to Brazil, with reports linking him to a potential move back to Santos, the club where he first made his mark.

Neymar has also been linked with a reunion with his former Barcelona teammates, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, at MLS side Inter Miami, where the trio had previously formed a formidable attacking partnership.

Despite Al-Hilal paying a £78 million transfer fee to PSG for Neymar in 2023 and offering him a lucrative contract, his time at the Saudi club has been marred by injuries.

He has made just seven competitive appearances for Al-Hilal, scoring one goal and providing three assists.