Neymar Set for Return to Santos: Transfer Deal Almost Complete
Neymar is reportedly on the verge of a fairytale return to Santos, his first professional club. According to L’Equipe, negotiations between Santos and Al-Hilal are nearly finalized. The 32-year-old Brazilian forward, who moved to Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, is set to reunite with his old team.
The move also comes with a twist: Neymar’s father, Neymar da Silva Senior, is expected to join an investment fund, acquiring a stake in Santos as part of the agreement. This development marks an exciting new chapter for the legendary player, whose career began at Santos before he moved to Barcelona in 2013.
Neymar’s Time at Al-Hilal
Since joining Al-Hilal in the summer of 2023 for a reported €90 million, Neymar’s time in Saudi Arabia has been far from ideal. Despite his move being one of the biggest in the region, the Brazilian has struggled with injuries and has yet to live up to expectations. With only seven appearances for Al-Hilal, Neymar’s future at the club has become uncertain, making a return to Santos an increasingly likely outcome.
Santos: The Place Where It All Began
Neymar first made a name for himself at Santos, where he played for five seasons and scored an impressive 136 goals in 225 appearances. His success in Brazil led to his high-profile transfer to Barcelona at just 21 years old, where his career continued to soar. Now, the possibility of returning to Santos feels like the perfect way to end this chapter of his career, offering both a homecoming and a new challenge.
Contract Expiry and Transfer Timing
Neymar’s contract with Al-Hilal expires in the summer of 2024, but Santos is eager to finalize this deal in January. The Serie B side seems keen to act quickly, rather than waiting until the summer window. This move could mark a significant step for the club, as the return of Neymar, along with his father’s investment, would certainly boost the team’s profile and ambitions moving forward.
Neymar’s Future Looks Bright at Santos
With Neymar’s return to Santos nearly official, it looks like the star forward is set for an emotional and impactful homecoming. Santos fans will undoubtedly be thrilled to see their former hero back on the field, while the addition of his father’s stake in the club adds a new layer of excitement for the future of the team.
