Neymar's agent breaks silence amid talk Brazilian superstar set to rip up Al-Hilal contract and make shock return to former club Santos

Rumors emerged on Sunday that Santos had sensationally agreed a deal with Neymar to return to his hometown club after over 10 years away. Neymar been plagued for injuries since his transfer to Saudi team Al-Hilal which has led to speculation his time at the club could be cut short. However, Neymar's agent Zahavi has claimed that the recent rumours are nothing but that.

Addressing the rumors, Zahavi told Fabrizio Romano: "There are no talks ongoing for Neymar to leave Al-Hilal. He’s under contract and very happy there. Neymar’s father and me, we are the only people who can talk about Ney’s future. I don’t know where recent rumours are coming from”.

However, Cesar Luis Merlo, who initially leaked that Neymar and Santos could have a deal in place, has hit back, claiming that time will prove his statement to be true. He posted on X (formerly Twitter): "Neymar's agent publicly denies what Santos said. I stand by every word I have published. Thank God, in Brazil people know how I work. As has happened so many times, time will put things in their place."

While this drama is yet to reach its conclusion, Neymar remains unavailable to play for Al-Hilal due to a hamstring injury, and will have to watch from the sidelines as his side take on Al-Khaleej on Saturday.