Neymar Set for Return to Santos in 2025 After Al-Hilal Exit Talks

Neymar, the celebrated former FC Barcelona forward and current Al-Hilal star, is reportedly on the verge of a major career shift. According to Brazilian news outlet UOL, Neymar has greenlit a return to his boyhood club, Santos, where he began his professional journey before making his mark on the global stage with top clubs like Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The 32-year-old Brazilian is said to be in talks with Al-Hilal, seeking a mutual termination of his contract with the Saudi Pro League club, which could pave the way for his return to Brazil as soon as January 2025.

The saga surrounding Neymar’s future began with his high-profile move to Al-Hilal in mid-2023. In a deal reportedly worth $97 million (€90 million), the Brazilian forward left PSG after six seasons and joined the Saudi giants in a major coup for the Pro League. However, the move to the Middle East has not been without its setbacks. Shortly after his arrival, Neymar suffered a significant ACL injury while on international duty for Brazil during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. This injury kept him sidelined for months, with Neymar only making his long-awaited return to action in late October 2024. He featured for a brief spell in Al-Hilal’s AFC Champions League match against Al-Ain, but his comeback was marred by further physical concerns. Just days later, Neymar was substituted in a match against Iran’s Esteghlal after showing signs of discomfort, with reports indicating a possible muscle issue.

Despite these challenges, Neymar remains optimistic about his future and insists that his latest setback is not serious. However, sources suggest that Neymar is eager for a fresh start, and his potential next move could see him make a return to Santos, the club where his football career first flourished. Santos, famously known for nurturing some of Brazil’s greatest footballing talents, including Pelé, Neymar, and Rodrygo, is reportedly in discussions with the player about a free transfer. While the original plan was for Neymar to rejoin Santos in July 2025, there are now growing indications that the transfer could happen much sooner, potentially as early as January 2025.

The move to Santos would be a sentimental one for Neymar, who has long expressed a desire to return to the club that first shaped his footballing career. However, the move would also have significant implications for Neymar’s future with Brazil’s national team, as well as his ambitions ahead of the 2026 World Cup. While Neymar’s current contract with Al-Hilal runs until 2025, discussions are reportedly underway to facilitate a smooth and amicable termination of the agreement, allowing Neymar to make the switch back to Brazil sooner than expected.

One of the main driving forces behind Neymar’s decision to return to Santos appears to be his desire to rediscover his form ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which could be his final appearance on the global stage. Playing in Brazil would not only offer him the opportunity to reignite his career but also increase his visibility to the Selecao’s head coach, Dorival Júnior. A return to Santos could be seen as a positive move by the Brazilian national team, as the local playing environment could help Neymar regain the sharpness required for international competition.

Reports from UOL indicate that Santos is willing to offer Neymar a unique deal to facilitate his return. The club is considering a structure where Neymar would receive a base salary but also earn a share of revenue generated through commercial ventures, including shirt sales and potential sponsorship deals. This would be a major incentive for the Brazilian star, as it would allow him to continue benefiting from his high profile even after his playing days are over.

In addition to the financial incentives, playing in Brazil could also provide Neymar with the opportunity to cement his legacy in his home country. Santos, the club where he first caught the attention of football fans worldwide, would offer Neymar a platform to continue shining in the twilight years of his career. The club is reportedly keen to do everything it can to secure Neymar’s signature, making him the centerpiece of their attack for the upcoming seasons.

The prospect of Neymar returning to Santos has generated significant excitement in Brazil, with fans eager to see the return of one of the nation’s most beloved footballers. Santos supporters are hopeful that the arrival of Neymar will reinvigorate the club and its ambitions on the domestic stage, especially as the Brazilian league continues to gain in prominence. Neymar’s experience, skill, and global stature would undoubtedly raise the profile of Santos and the Brazilian league as a whole, making it a win-win for both the player and the club.

While Neymar’s future remains uncertain, the possibility of a return to Santos in 2025 is becoming increasingly likely. Al-Hilal’s willingness to negotiate an early exit for Neymar, combined with the player’s desire to return home, has set the stage for a dramatic career turn. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Neymar’s decision to move back to Brazil could prove to be the perfect step in his quest to end his international career on a high note. Whether or not he can overcome his recent injury setbacks and regain his top form remains to be seen, but his return to Santos would certainly be a fitting chapter in the story of one of Brazil’s greatest-ever football talents.

In the coming months, all eyes will be on Neymar as he navigates his way through these crucial decisions, with his next move possibly setting the tone for his final years in professional football. For now, though, it seems that Santos could once again be the stage for Neymar’s brilliance, as the Brazilian star seeks to finish his career where it all began.