Al Hilal striker Neymar is close to terminating his contract with the club and returning to Santos.
ESPN sources have said that the Brazilian’s contract will be terminated, but that details are being negotiated. Representatives from both sides are expected to meet this week in the hope of reaching an agreement.
If that happens, Neymar will sign a six-month contract with Santos, with the option to extend his contract for another year.
Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus said earlier this month that Neymar can no longer play at the level everyone is used to and is not registered for the Champions League, but only for the Asian Champions League.
The Brazilian is therefore keen to leave the Saudi club and will most likely return to Santos, where he began his career.
If an agreement is reached with Santos, Neymar will travel to Brazil this week and could play for Santos on February 5.
By terminating his contract with Al Hilal, Neymar will lose about $65 million. An ESPN source said that Neymar and his father, Neymar Santos Sr., will try to recoup at least some of that loss by becoming part of an investment fund that includes shares in Santos.
However, ESPN Brazil reported that Neymar remains determined to get the money from Al Hilal and that any deal involving Santos shares would be difficult to complete in the short term.
Neymar moved to Al Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2023 for $97.6 million. Shortly after joining the club, the 32-year-old forward tore ligaments in his left knee while playing for the Brazilian national team and returned to the field last October, but then injured his tendon.
He played only seven games in the Saudi league and Cup, and scored one goal in the Asian Champions League on October 3, 2023.
