Why Did Neymar Hint at Departure from Al-Hilal, the Saudi Pro Club, in 2025?

The Brazilian superstar has informed Santos officials that he will be leaving Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in the summer of 2025, as reported by UOL Esporte. Neymar brought out the Campeonato Paulista trophy on Sunday night as his boyhood club Santos defeated Palmeiras 1-0 in the first leg of the Sao Paulo State Championship Final.

Neymar to quit Al Hilal in 2025

The 32-year-old forward made a lucrative transfer to Al-Hilal on a two-year contract from PSG but has managed to make only five appearances for the Saudi side, notching three assists and a goal so far.

Neymar Jr. underwent a successful knee surgery to repair anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus injuries in his left knee which he sustained in Brazil’s World Cup qualifying loss back in October 2023. He’s expected to return to action when the 2024/25 commences in a few months and will play his final and second season with Al-Hilal.

His contract with Al-Hilal expires in 2025 and if the rumours stand true, Neymar Jr. will join his boyhood club Santos on a free transfer marking his first game in his country since 2013. The former Santos prodigy began his European career with Barcelona when he joined the Catalan giants for an estimated $93 million in 2013.

Also Read: Latest on Neymar Injury and his expected date of return: Will he be available for Copa America?

Neymar linked with a return to Barcelona

This is not the first time since 2017 that the Brazilian forward has been linked with a return to Camp Nou. There have been reports that Barcelona has a mutual agreement that Neymar would return to Barcelona once his contract with Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal expires in 2025.

But his homecoming will be marred due to Barcelona’s financial constraints and a move for the former player doesn’t align with Barcelona’s current focus on nurturing young talents. But Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has rubbished claims of a reunion between both parties.

“According to my information, despite the rumours we had in the last 24, 48 hours, as of today in March [there are] no discussions, no contacts for Neymar to return to Barcelona in the summer,” Romano revealed on his YouTube channel.

“Neymar is 100 percent focused on his Saudi chapter at Al-Hilal, focused on recovering from his injury and then playing for Al-Hilal. So Neymar, at this stage, is not discussing with Barcelona about a comeback despite the usual rumours we are hearing about that.”