Latest developments
- Santos want Neymar Jr to return to boyhood club.
- Al-Hilal pondering terminating Brazilian's contract.
- Saudi Pro League side unhappy with Brazilian winger's injuries.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3.5/5): Reputed source but reports could be wrong
Due to an injury crisis, Neymar hasn't had the ideal time in Saudi Arabia since joining Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain for €90 million (£75 million) in the summer of 2023. According to reports, the 32-year-old's contract may be terminated by the Saudi Pro League champions this winter as the Brazilian enigma's injury troubles continue.
Journalist Cesar Luis Merlo has reported that Santos are ready to bring Neymar back to the club where it all started and also reported that the former Barcelona winger is open to the move.
Merlo is a reputed journalist, however, the reports need to be taken with a pinch of salt as there remains loads of mystery around Neymar's future with multiple clubs named as potential destinations and remaining at Al-Hilal also remains an option.
Value (4.5/5): Neymar may come for free – wages won't come cheap
Signing a player of Neymar's level for free, regardless of his injury issues, is an absolute no-brainer for many clubs. However, for a club of Santos' size regardless of their history, his wages will put a lot of pressure on their budget for the rest of the team, unless he drops his wages massively to attain a homecoming to the fans that adore him.
Suitability (5/5): Neymar could fit in as an inverted left-winger
The Brazil captain has majorly played on the left side of attack throughout his career but has also operated well as a number 10 when called upon. Santos have both positions needing upgrades as they prepare for their return to the Brazilian Serie A.
Under coach Leandro Zago, Santos have played a compact 4-2-3-1 and Neymar will likely slot in as the narrow left-winger in the system, which would aid his typical movement into the box.
Upgrade? (5/5): Neymar still one of the best players
Despite his injury issues, it can be argued that Neymar still plays football at a very high level and as such he would easily be the best player in the league as soon he steps foot in Brazil for his move to Santos. Signing him is easily the best upgrade that Santos could have asked for for the return to the top tier of Brazilian football after having gained direct promotion by winning the Serie B title.
Logic (4/5): No-brainer for Santos but Neymar not done at the top level
If you have the opportunity to sign Neymar, no matter how injury-prone he is, you just get the deal sorted as quickly as you can and that is exactly what Santos appear to be doing at the moment.
However, questions have to be asked about Neymar's intent with the move. He has already dropped down a level of football with his move to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, and a move to Brazilian Serie A with Santos will be a bigger step down and it may ultimately all but rule him out of the 2026 World Cup.
Whisper+ final verdict – 22/25
Neymar signing back with Santos, 11 years after he left his boyhood club for a move to Barcelona, will be the biggest story in Brazilian football over the last few years. However, fresh reports from Brazil by reputed Santos insider Bruno Lima have suggested that Neymar is not considering a move to Santos this winter as he is said to be ‘happy' at Al-Hilal and wants to stay with Saudi Pro League side, in a massive blow to Santos' dreams.
