Could Neymar return to Santos next summer?

Neymar’s return to Santos is getting closer. What started out as a dream could soon become a reality. Osvaldo Nico, the vice president of the Board of Directors told Programa Pânico that he is in talks with the Brazilian number 10: “Neymar arrives at Santos in June. That’s the conversation we are having. Everyone played with Neymar at Santos - even [Zé] Love and André [Felipe] scored goals when he was there. He’s coming to Santos,” the official assured.

Neymar signed for Al Hilal in August 2023 for a figure close to $87 million. The Brazilian forward’s contract will expire in June 2025 and the big question is where he will head next.

Neymar returns to action after lengthy spell out

His spell in Saudi Arabia didn’t get off to the best of starts - in fact, it’s been almost disastrous. First there were muscular problems which made him miss the opening four games of the season; then, after making three appearances, he ruptured the ACL in his left knee - an injury which kept him off the pitch for a year. Just a few days ago he returned to action, coming on for the final 13 minutes during the 5-4 win over Al Ain on matchday 3 of the AFC Champions League Elite group stage.

The rumors linking him to his old club surfaced a few months ago. Even Santos president Teixeira confirmed that there had been contact back in February: “[The conversation] was quick, but it is always the quickest ones that have a best effect. No, no, it is too early [to sign a pre-contract]. He still has to recover from his knee injury. To to be able to play here he has to make a full recovery. He will continue with his experience over there and then he will come back,” the club supremo said.

Contact with Santos

Neymar himself decided to deny such links - but without completely closing the door: “There is no possibility of me returning to Santos next year. What has been said is completely false, there is nothing planned. I have one more year of contract with Al-Hilal. I hope to have a great season. I missed this last one. We are taking it one step at a time. There is still a lot of time ahead. Obviously Santos is my favorite team, one day I want to return, yes, but I have nothing planned in mind right now”, he declared.

Now, one of the top figures at the Brazilian club has confirmed that talks and negotiations are back underway. Santos are currently playing in the second division of Brazilian football (Série B). However, the team tops the standings with four games left to play with the top four being promoted to the Brasileirão.

Returning back to Série A would make signing Ney much easier. His salary would be the main obstacle in the operation to bring him back (he reportedly earns around $111 million at Al Hilal - way beyond Santos’ budget). But his return would be a bombshell for the league.

He marked a before and after before heading to Barça in 2013. His performances turned him into a household name around the world. His return would undoubtedly stimulate the club’s new project, after being relegated for the first time in its history.