‘He’s our idol’ - Vinicius Jr gives his verdict on Neymar’s future as Brazilian superstar tipped to leave Al-Hilal for sensational Santos return

Neymar had been linked with a return to his boyhood club Santos in Brazil as his time with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal looks to be coming to an end. The former Barcelona star's contract is set to run out at the end of the season, and he has not been registered by Al-Hilal for the second half of the Saudi Pro League campaign. Vinicius has now opened up on Neymar's reported move to Santos and claims that it's 'important' for the legendary winger to return to Brazil.

Speaking to TNT Sports Brazil, Vinicius said that Neymar "is our idol" and that they "hope he can return as soon as possible."

Vinicius added: "It is important for Brazil to have a player like Ney, even more so for Santos, which is his home. He is undoubtedly a Brazilian player who played so well in Brazil and was then able to make history abroad. I hope that he makes a calm decision and that he and his whole family are happy," Vinicius concluded.

Neymar is hopeful that he will be in shape and fit enough to play for Brazil in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, and there is a possibility that the pair could potentially play together once again on the major stage before the Barcelona legend officially hands the mantle over to the Real Madrid star.

The Brazilian's future is likely to generate plenty more headlines this January, with an Al-Hilal exit on the cards. Neymar is believed to be exploring ways to terminate his contract with the Saudi side and then return to his homeland.