SUMMARY
- Neymar Jr signed a blockbuster deal with Al-Hilal in 2023, worth more then $300 million.
- The Brazilian has only played 5 games for the Saudi Arabian club so far, after suffering a knee injury.
Former FC Barcelona superstar Neymar Jr signed for Al-Hilal in a blockbuster transfer. The Brazilian failed to lead PSG to UEFA Champions League glory, and that was when the team’s big three, including Lionel Messi, split up. The Argentine forward is currently playing for Inter Miami in the MLS. As for Neymar, he reportedly signed a huge contract worth more than $300 million with the Saudi Pro League club.
Official, confirmed. Neymar Jr joins Al Hilal on $300m package record salary in two years, no option to extend 🚨🔵🇸🇦
Salary could go up to potential $400m total until 2025 based on add-ons & commercial deals.
Deal completed by his father Neymar Pai and super agent Pini Zahavi. pic.twitter.com/M3YDaFsWQ0
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 15, 2023
The flashy winger has only managed to play five games for Al-Hilal, scoring one goal and making three assists during his appearances. Although it could be considered decent, it is nowhere near the standards Neymar has set for himself, not to mention the hefty price that the club had to pay to sign him.
🚨 Neymar informed the Santos players and staff he would like to rejoin the club in 2025! 🇧🇷🔙
Imagine. 🤩
(Source: @UOLEsporte ) pic.twitter.com/um2yu3pRaE
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) April 1, 2024
Recently, rumors have emerged mentioning that the 32-year-old is eyeing a return to Brazil, with his former club Santos FC. For some context, Neymar played for the club from 2009 until 2013. He made a name for himself at the club before catching the eye of FC Barcelona, who broke the bank to bring him to Camp Nou. News outlets claim that Neymar has informed Santos players and officials that he is looking to return next year, in 2025.
What happened to Neymar Jr?
The forward suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in October and has been sidelined since then. Brazil’s team doctor Rodrigo Lamar announced back in December that the predicted return date for the player was August 2024. That means he will miss the 2024 Copa America for his country, which is set to begin in June.
🚨Globo:
Rodrigo Lasmar, Brazil’s team doctor confirmed that Neymar will miss the 2024 Copa America.
Neymar will return in August, they do not want to rush him back. pic.twitter.com/XqVdFMY4bH
— Brasil Football 🇧🇷 (@BrasilEdition) December 20, 2023
Neymar has had his fair share of troubles with injuries, especially since moving from Santos. He remained injury-prone even at PSG, missing a significant number of games for the club. These setbacks have been the main reason why Neymar has not been able to perform consistently for his teams.
Neymar has also been linked with Inter Miami and FC Barcelona
Recently, famous insider Fabrizio Romano revealed that there was no truth to the rumors involving Neymar and Barcelona. He mentioned that no talks were being held between the concerned parties about the player’s move in the summer.
🚨🗣️ JUST IN | @FabrizioRomano: “Despite the rumors from the last 24-48 hours, there have been no discussions no contacts for Neymar to return to Barcelona in the summer.” pic.twitter.com/6XdNbfNu13
— Bᴀʀᴄ̧ᴀVᴇʀsᴇ (@BarcaVerse_) March 29, 2024
Not just the Spanish giants, the superstar has also been linked with a move to Inter Miami. It wouldn’t be all that surprising to know that David Beckham and Co. are targeting the former Barca winger. Inter Miami have signed Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Messi as well. The rumors started when Neymar posed for a photo with David Beckham and his wife, Victoria. The former PL player even joked that he was inviting Neymar to Miami only for dinner.
David Beckham joked about Neymar joining his Inter Miami side after going for dinner with the Brazilian star 😅🇺🇸
Imagine seeing an MSN reunion 🥹 pic.twitter.com/9H8zl8FTD7
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) March 29, 2024
That could mean that the only move on the cards for Neymar would be a return to Santos. Only time will tell if the forward makes a dream return to where it all started, and attempt to revive his once stellar career.