SUMMARY
- Reports suggested Neymar Jr.'s contract termination at Al-Hilal due to injury, making him a potential free agent.
- Coach Jorge Jesus provided insights into Neymar Jr.'s stint at Al-Hilal, drawing comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo.
The situation of Neymar Jr. at Al-Hilal has come under scrutiny. With an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, the Brazilian forward is currently out and unlikely to play again until August. During Brazil’s World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay, he sustained a meniscus tear and an anterior cruciate ligament injury to his left knee.
According to recent sources, he will be a free agent upon his injury comeback. The former Paris Saint-Germain star will reportedly be a free agent when the Saudi club terminates his contract, according to a local sports journalist.
❗️Al-Hilal terminates Neymar’s contract. He is now a free agent.
— @Qatari pic.twitter.com/3Li8OCI7ki
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) January 18, 2024
Various reports claimed that Al-Hilal FC terminated Neymar Jr.’s contract as they needed to get rid of him for new signings, although that was not the case. Neymar made room for Lodi because the Saudi Pro League only allows eight international players to be enrolled simultaneously.
Neymar is anticipated to participate in the AFC Champions League if he can come back in time for the season’s conclusion. However, according to Saudi soccer regulations, he is not allowed to play in domestic Saudi competitions, not even the King’s Cup.
Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus opens up on Neymar Jr. and Cristiano Ronaldo
In August 2023, Neymar Jr. made a sensational transfer to Al-Hilal that shocked the soccer community. Ever since leaving FC Barcelona, injuries have mostly derailed Neymar’s career. His inability to maintain his physical condition over an extended period has been a major contributing factor to his collapse. As numerous reports have stated, his lifestyle was another factor in his failure to maintain his position at the top.
🚨🚨| Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus on Neymar Jr:
“Neymar is the opposite of Ronaldo. Ronaldo has more passion for football and he makes it his priority, Neymar has more passion for other things linked to his private life, which he puts first.”
[@nicolas_vilas] pic.twitter.com/Y2GAqNEVcr
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) January 15, 2024
Not only media sources, but Jorge Jesus, his Al-Hilal coach, might have inadvertently made a mockery of the former PSG forward. He said to Correio da Manhã, “An easy player to deal with, sweet, understanding. Beyond football, I think unlike Ronaldo, Ronaldo has more passion for football, Neymar has more passion for other things, things that private life offers. As a player, he is fabulous, as a man he surprised me positively in everything.”
Jorge Jesus did not mention that Neymar was a hassle to deal with or that his personal life was the reason he couldn’t live up to the standards he established. The comparison to Cristiano Ronaldo, who exhibits astounding dedication and competitive spirit, says a great deal about Jorge Jesus’ viewpoint.
Fabrizio Romano clarifies Neymar Jr’s contract termination reports
Because Neymar Jr. was left off of Al-Hilal’s roster, there have been rumors that the athlete’s contract has been terminated. On January 18th, the Saudi club provided clarification, stating that the reports were untrue. The renowned Brazilian hasn’t performed since October 18, 2023.
🚨🇧🇷 Al Hilal have NOT terminated Neymar Jr contract. Reports are being denied by sources as “fake news”.
Al Hilal will just make space in squad list for Renan Lodi as foreigner player as Neymar’s injured and won’t play again this season.
…then he’s set to return in the squad. pic.twitter.com/zVNkH31OVE
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 18, 2024
Following Neymar’s exclusion from Al-Hilai’s squad roster, social media users discussed the termination of his contract. All stories, nevertheless, have been denied. Popular soccer reporter Fabrizio Romano reported that Al-Hilal has not canceled Neymar Jr.’s contract, citing sources- “Sources are dismissing reports as “false news.”
It remains to be seen what happens with the future of the Brazilian soccer star in the upcoming weeks as many fans have been waiting for his comeback. Neymar Jr. is one of the best soccer players to grace the sport in the last decade and fans will be hoping to see him back soon again.