Al-Hilal TERMINATE Neymar's contract after just seven appearances - with homecoming transfer to Santos now imminent for Brazil superstar

The South American superstar, who remains the most expensive player of all-time following his €222 million (£186m/$232m) transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, endured a torrid time with injuries during a forgettable spell in the Saudi Pro League.

He moved to the Middle East in 2023, as he followed Lionel Messi through the exits at PSG, but suffered knee ligament damage while on 2026 World Cup qualifying duty with his country a matter of weeks after signing a lucrative contract in Riyadh.

Neymar returned to action in October 2024, only to then pick up a hamstring complaint. With fitness issues holding him back, and funds to be freed up by moving him on, Al-Hilal have taken the decision to release the 32-year-old forward.

A statement on the club’s official website reads: “Al Hilal Club Company and Neymar Jr have agreed to terminate their contractual relationship by mutual consent. The club expresses its thanks and appreciation to Neymar for what he has provided throughout his career at Al-Hilal, and wish the player success in his career.”

Day Crespo, a spokesperson for Neymar in Brazil, has said that the ex-Barcelona star will “comment on his future at a later date”. Despite seeing a reunion with Messi and Luis Suarez at MLS side Inter Miami speculated on, a retracing of steps to Santos is being mooted. ESPN reports that Neymar is set to rejoin his boyhood club on an initial six-month contract with the option of an extra year.

Neymar is eager to find regular game time somewhere ahead of next summer’s World Cup – which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico – and Santos have made no secret of the fact that they would like to bring a prodigal son back home.