Neymar reveals why he didn't sign long-term contract with Santos

The Brazilian superstar inked a six-month deal with the club.

Neymar has given an explanation for why he only agreed to a six-month deal with Santos amidst rumours that he will return to Barcelona.

After deciding to end his contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, the Brazilian attacker returned to Santos on January 31 and signed a deal that will last until June 2025.

With just seven appearances for the team amidst a ruptured ACL and meniscus injury that kept him out of action for more than a year, Neymar’s time with Al Hilal became a nightmare. A new hamstring issue in November 2024 further postponed his return, even after he had recovered.

But after hitting a penalty kick in Santos’ 3-1 victory over Agua Santa in the São Paulo State Championship on Monday night, Neymar found his scoring ways again. He displayed glimmers of his talent by not only finding the net but also assisting Guilherme in scoring.

Neymar scores his first goal back at Santos after 12 years 🤍 pic.twitter.com/jPBVH298AF

— GOAL (@goal) February 17, 2025

Following Monday’s game, Neymar spoke about his Santos contract tenure reason, saying:

 “Let’s take it easy. It’s a contract we made not just between the two of us. One is helping the other. Santos opened the doors for me to reacquaint myself with football, with my joy. I didn’t sign a long contract because I didn’t know how I was going to get back, how I was going to feel in those months. Anything can happen.”

The 33-year-old attacker is attempting to restore his match sharpness and conditioning by using his time at Santos to reach his full fitness.

According to reports, Neymar wants to use these months in Brazil to establish his form before returning to Europe for the upcoming campaign. His short-term contract and aspirations to play in Europe have stoked rumours that he would return to Barcelona, where he had some of his finest years.

Now that Barcelona sporting director Deco is rumoured to be looking for a left-sided forward, Neymar might be a good choice— if he stays healthy and continues to produce at Santos. A spectacular comeback to Camp Nou might eventually happen if the financial circumstances are favourable for the LaLiga giants.

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