Neymar ‘Set for Shock Return to Boyhood Club Santos’

Superstar footballer Neymar is reportedly nearing a return to his boyhood club, Santos.

The Brazilian forward appears poised to leave Saudi club Al-Hilal after the team’s manager suggested that Neymar is no longer capable of performing at the highest level.

The 32-year-old joined Al-Hilal in the summer of 2023 in a £78 million transfer from PSG but has been limited to just seven appearances since his arrival.

Neymar is currently recovering from a hamstring injury he sustained in November, just after returning to action following a year-long absence due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee, which he injured while on international duty with Brazil.

It has now been confirmed that Neymar will not be registered for the second half of the Saudi Pro League season. Santos has reportedly offered him a way out, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano.

The journalist posted on X: ‘Neymar Jr, close to returning to Santos as the Brazilian club has now submitted formal loan proposal!

‘Santos are waiting for green light from Al Hilal, timing depends on the Saudi club. Santos, way ahead of Chicago Fire in Ney race.’

Neymar is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, and a return to Santos would likely be met with a hero’s welcome.

The 32-year-old star rose through the ranks at Santos, where he scored 107 goals in 177 appearances, solidifying his place as one of the most sought-after players in global football.

In addition, reports have suggested that Neymar could make a move to Major League Soccer (MLS), potentially as early as this month.

‘When I created this team it was with Mitrovic and Neymar, before he had this injury that has left him out of the competition for 14 or 15 months,’ his manager Jorge Jesus said this past week.

‘Things have become difficult for him, unfortunately. He is still under contract and it may be up to him to decide his future. It depends on the club, on the administration.

‘The only thing I know is that Neymar is not registered. Until January 31 the window is open. So I’m not going to speculate on things I don’t know.’

Since joining the Middle East, Neymar has scored just one goal in seven appearances and was not registered for the first half of the Saudi Pro League season.