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WHAT HAPPENED?
The Brazilian superstar finds himself back on the sidelines at present in Saudi Arabia, having already sat out more than 12 months with knee ligament damage. There has been talk of his contract in the Middle East being terminated in January 2025.
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Getty/GOALTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Amid the speculation of free agency being hit, Neymar has been linked with a move to the United States that would see him reunited with former Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at MLS outfit Inter Miami. A return to his roots at Santos has also been discussed at length.
WHAT SANTOS PRESIDENT SAID
Doors will always be left open to Neymar at Santos, with club president Marcelo Teixeira ruling nothing in or out when quizzed by ESPN on links to a prodigal son: “We can’t come out publicly saying that it will happen in January, in June. Right now, the fact is that anything can happen. As soon as anything happens, the parties are very close.”
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GettyDID YOU KNOW?
Teixeira went on to say, with Neymar looking to rediscover a lost spark ahead of the next World Cup finals: “You can see his joy, he himself says he is at home here. This is a favourable and positive factor for Santos, for him and for Brazilian football. He is happy, joyful. I believe that, for Neymar, if this happens, it could be the best preparation for the World Cup.”
WHAT NEXT?
Neymar has stated that he would be open to extending his deal at Al-Hilal, but any future calls there may be taken out of his hands. At 32 years of age, a fresh start – potentially back in familiar surroundings – could be the best option for all concerned.
