Neymar Chooses Next Destination as Al Hilal Contract Nears End

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Brazilian football superstar Neymar is edging closer to a return to competitive action with Al Hilal after being sidelined since October 2023 due to a severe knee injury that required surgery.

While there is still no official date for his comeback, the forward resumed training with his teammates this past Sunday, sharing his progress with fans on social media.

However, Neymar’s future at Al Hilal remains uncertain. Though his return to fitness is promising, he has not yet been included in the Saudi Pro League squad, and there are doubts surrounding his long-term career in Saudi Arabia.

Neymar’s tenure at Al Hilal, since joining the Saudi Pro League, has been marred by injuries and limited game time. Despite his enormous annual salary of €150 million, the 32-year-old has struggled to make a significant impact on the pitch. Since arriving in 2023, he has played in only five matches, getting under 400 minutes in almost a year and a half.

Neymar's contract with Al Hilal, which was signed for two years, is set to expire at the end of the current season. Given his injury troubles and limited contributions on the field, it seems unlikely that Al Hilal will offer him an extension.

Reports also suggest that Neymar himself may not be inclined to remain in Saudi Arabia beyond this season. Speculation about a potential return to Barcelona has been swirling, but those rumors have been dismissed. Instead, Neymar is said to be considering a return to his boyhood club, Santos, where his professional career began.

An emotional return to Santos would likely mark the final chapter of Neymar’s storied career. The 32-year-old’s chances of playing in Europe again seem slim, and a move back to Brazil would allow him to reconnect with his roots and possibly finish his career on a high note.

Having left an indelible mark on the football world with 136 goals in 225 appearances during his first stint at Santos, a return to the club that launched him to global stardom would offer Neymar a fitting end to his professional journey. While his two-year stint in Saudi Arabia has ensured his financial security, a move back to Santos would allow Neymar to focus purely on football and close his career on his terms.