Home Football Neymar Jr close to rejoining boyhood club Santos

Neymar Jr close to rejoining boyhood club Santos

by Ann Wairimu
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  • Neymar is expected to sign a short-term contract with Santos after his contract with Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal was terminated by mutual consent a few days ago
  • The cancellation of his contract with the Saudi giants was a big step in ensuring that his long awaited return to Brazilian football happens this January

Neymar Jr move to Brazilian side Santos is now one step away from completion. As things stand, it’s just a matter of days before the deal is sealed.

According to sources, Santos are keen to re-sign their old boy who left the club twelve years ago on a high profile move to FC Barcelona. The 32-year-old gifted playmaker is expected to sign a short-term contract with the Brazilian giants after his contract with Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal was terminated by mutual consent a few days ago.

The cancellation of his contract with the Saudi giants was a big step in ensuring that his long awaited return to Brazilian football happens this January.

Neymar Jr

Neymar Jr is close to returning to his boyhood club Santos after his contract with Al-Hilal was cancelled by mutual consent. Photo/ Yahoo Sports.

Neymar, who has struggled with injuries over the course of his career, had a difficult period in the Middle East as he played just seven matches and scored once since his arrival in the summer of 2023 in a €90 million (£77.2 million/$98.3 million) deal from French giants Paris Saint-Germain. The attacker made just two appearances this season and will be looking forward to reviving his career in the top flight of Brazilian football starting this month.

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Marcelo Teixeira Welcomes Neymar Jr Back To Santos

With Neymar’s return to Santos expected to happen soon, the club’s president Marcelo Teixeira sent a message to the former Barcelona star via social media on Tuesday. The emotional post indicated that Neymar is very close to rejoining Santos.

“It is the time (to come back), Neymar. It is time for you to come back to your people. To our home, to the club in our hearts. Welcome, our boy Ney! A boy of Vila (Belmiro, Santos’ stadium). Come back to be happy again with the white and black shirt. The Santos nation awaits you with open arms.” Santos president Marcelo Teixeira posted on social media, according to Goal.

Neymar caught the attention of football fans while still a teen playing for Santos. After making his professional debut in 2009, he went on to help his boyhood club win their first Copa Libertadores trophy in close to 50 years. He scored 136 goals in 225 matches and won a total of six titles with Santos before securing a big move to Spanish giants Barcelona in 2013.

During his time with Barcelona, Neymar was regarded as one of the best players in the world and made a name for himself thanks to his skills, dribbling and playmaking. He helped Barcelona win two La Liga and a UEFA Champions League, among other titles.

Neymar Jr

Neymar Jr joined Paris Saint-Germain for €222 million, making him the most expensive footballer. Photo/ The Guardian.

During the 2017 summer transfer window, Neymar become the most expensive footballer when he was signed by Paris Saint-Germain for a reported fee of €222 million. He was a key player for the Parisians and largely contributed to their dominance in the French league.

The Brazilian talent was among the top stars who joined the Saudi Pro League in the summer of 2023 when he signed with Al-Hilal. Despite indicating that he wanted to “write new sporting history”, things didn’t quite work out for him in the Saudi league as he struggled with injuries.

Neymar had a prolonged spell on the sidelines after rupturing his anterior crucial ligament (ACL) during a World Cup qualifier match between Brazil and Uruguay in August 2023. The 32-year-old returned to the pitch in October 2024 but played just two matches before going back to the sidelines until his contract was terminated.

Neymar, who has been among the big earners in the football world over the last decade, has agreed to take a huge pay cut in order to return to Santos. The Brazilian will be hoping he put injury problems behind him and be at his best to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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