Al Hilal footballer Neymar is close to terminating his contract with the club and returning to Santos.
A source told ESPN that the Brazilian's contract will be terminated, but that details are being negotiated. Representatives from both sides are expected to meet this week in the hope of reaching an agreement.
If that happens, Neymar will sign a six-month contract with Santos, with the option to extend the cooperation for another year.
Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus said at the beginning of the month that Neymar could no longer play at the level everyone was used to and was not registered for the referee league, but only for the Asian Champions League.
The Brazilian footballer therefore wants to leave the Saudi club and will most likely return to Santos, where he began his career.
If an agreement with Santos is reached, Neymar will travel to Brazil this week and could play for Santos on February 5th.
By terminating his contract with Al Hilal, Neymar will lose about $65 million. An ESPN source said that Neymar and his father, Neymar Santos Sr., will try to recoup at least some of that loss by becoming part of an investment fund that includes shares in Santos.
However, ESPN Brazil reported that Neymar is still determined to get the money from Al Hilal and that any deal involving Santos shares would be difficult to execute in the short term.
Neymar joined Al Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain for $2023 million in the summer of 97,6. Shortly after joining the club, the 32-year-old forward tore ligaments in his left knee while playing for the Brazilian national team and returned to the field last October, only to then injure his tendon.
He played only seven games in the Saudi League and Cup, and scored one goal in the Asian Champions League on October 3, 2023.
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