Neymar ‘close to sealing a return to boyhood club Santos’ – after making just seven appearances in two years for Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal

Neymar is reportedly close to sealing a move back to Santos after falling out of favour at Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal. 

The 32-year-old is primed for a move back to his boyhood club in Brazil, with his contract in Saudi Arabia likely to be terminated as part of the potential move. 

According to ESPN, both clubs are expected to hold talks this week in the hope of reaching an agreement. 

It would see Neymar sign a six-month contract, with a 12-month extension clause, as part of a return to the club where he made his debut at the age of 17.

With a view to the deal being completed, Neymar is set to travel to Brazil this week, meaning he could play for Santos as soon as February 5. 

Doing so would require him to terminate his contract at Al Hilal – which was due to expire this summer – and lose out on around £52million ($65million). 

Neymar is set to move back to Santos after falling out of favour at Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal

The 32-year-old has made just seven appearances for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal

However, he could recoup some of the money by becoming part of an investment fund that includes shares in Santos alongside his father, Neymar Santos Sr.  

ESPN Brazil is reporting that Neymar is looking to recoup his full remaining salary from Al Hilal, adding that any deal over prospective shares in Santos would be extremely difficult to execute for now.

Despite being linked with a move to MLS side Chicago Fire, Neymar’s preference was to return to Brazil in the hope that he could potentially reclaim a starting berth at international level. 

Things have not gone to plan for the winger in Saudi Arabia since his blockbuster move from PSG in the summer of 2023.

After suffering a torn ACL while on international duty shortly after joining Al Hilal, he returned to action in October, but was hindered by a hamstring injury.

As a result has made only seven league and cup appearances since joining the Saudi giants back in 2023, scoring just once. 

Neymar began his professional career with Santos in 2009 and was instrumental in helping them to a Copa Libertadores triumph in 2011, as he scored in the second leg of the final, a 2-1 win over Uruguayan side Penarol.

While he has struggled for consistency in Saudi Arabia, Neymar remains a household name in world football thanks to his exploits alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez from the trio’s time together at Barcelona. 

Things have not gone to plan for Neymar in Saudi Arabia since his blockbuster move from PSG 

In that time, he was part of sides that won the UEFA Champions League in 2015, as well as two LaLiga titles, and three Copa del Reys.

He later moved to PSG in 2017, where he won five Ligue 1 titles, three Coupe de Frances and two Coupe de la Ligues.

He has made 128 appearances for Brazil, and is the Selecao’s record goalscorer with 79 goals. 

The forward was also part of the Brazil side that won the gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics, which took place in Rio de Janeiro.