Neymar nearing return to childhood club Santos as verbal agreement reached: Report

The Brazilian star has agreed to join his childhood club.

After Al-Hilal spent $97.6 million to sign Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2023, he has had a challenging time with the club. But his time at the club could be coming to an end as reports suggest that he is now nearing a return to his childhood club Santos as verbal agreement has been reached between the team and the player.

Although Neymar is still on the books of Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, the Brazilian attacker can “no longer play at the level we are used to,” according to manager Jorge Jesus, who revealed in January that Neymar will not be registered to play in the Saudi Pro League and is limited to competing in the Asian Champions League.

The Brazilian star has been searching for his next playing opportunity, and it seems like he has found the opportunity with the team where he started his professional career.

Although the specifics are still being worked out, it has been understood that Neymar’s contract with Al Hilal is probably going to be terminated, reports suggest. In an attempt to come to an agreement, the two parties are scheduled to meet early this week. In that case, Neymar is expected to sign a six-month contract with Santos that could be extended for an extra year.

The former PSG star is scheduled to travel to Brazil this week if the agreement with Santos is finalized, and he could start for Santos as early as February 5. By terminating his contract with Al Hilal, which will expire this summer, Neymar would forfeit a reported $65 million in wages.

The transfer saga that involved the prospect of Neymar joining MLS side Chicago Fire FC will also come to an end if his return to Santos is finalized. Neymar looks set to go back to Brazil in order to get back into form and perhaps regain his spot on the national squad ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 in USA.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.