Neymar Set for Emotional Return to Boyhood Club Santos

Brazilian football star Neymar Jr. is reportedly on the verge of returning to his boyhood club, Santos, after just a brief spell with Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal. Sources close to the situation revealed to ESPN on Sunday that Neymar’s contract with Al Hilal is expected to be terminated, with final negotiations currently underway.

According to updates from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on X, a verbal agreement has already been reached, and the formalities to finalize the deal will take place in the coming week. “Neymar already said yes to the move,” Romano posted, confirming that the 32-year-old is set to return to the club where his professional career began.

If everything goes according to plan, Neymar is expected to travel to Brazil this week and could make his return to the pitch for Santos on February 5, coinciding with his 33rd birthday. Neymar’s emotional return would mark the beginning of a new chapter for the footballer, who made a name for himself at Santos before moving to Barcelona and later Paris Saint-Germain.

Neymar joined Al Hilal from PSG in the summer of 2023 for a hefty $97.6 million fee. However, his time in Saudi Arabia was relatively short-lived, with only seven appearances across league and cup competitions, scoring once in an AFC Champions League match.

Neymar began his professional career with Santos in 2009 and led the team to victory in the 2011 Copa Libertadores, notably scoring in the final. He has since gone on to become Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances and was part of the team that won the Olympic gold medal in 2016.

Fans of Santos and Neymar alike are eagerly awaiting the player’s return, marking a significant moment in the star’s illustrious career.