- Neymar joined the Saudi team in a £78million deal but has played seven games.
- The superstar has been crippled by several crippling injuries in recent years.
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Neymar is reportedly getting closer to returning to his boyhood club Santos.
The Brazilian seems willing to leave Al-Hilal after The club's coach stated that he was no longer capable of playing at the highest level.
The superstar, now 32, joined the Saudi side in a £78million deal from PSG in the summer of 2023 but was limited to just seven appearances.
He is currently recovering from a hamstring injury he suffered in November in just his second game after being ruled out for a year after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee while playing internationally for Brazil.
It has been confirmed that Neymar will not be registered for the second half of the Saudi Pro League season and Santos have offered him a way out, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The journalist published in X: 'Neymar Jr, close to returning to Santos since the Brazilian club has presented a formal transfer proposal!
Neymar is closing in on returning to his boyhood club Santos, according to reports
“Santos is waiting for the green light from Al Hilal, the moment depends on the Saudi club. Santos, far ahead of Chicago Fire in the race for Ney.
Neymar will become a free agent at the end of the season and would no doubt receive a hero's welcome if he returns to Santos.
The 32-year-old came through the ranks of the Brazilian team before scoring 107 goals in 177 games.
Reports have linked him with a move to MLS, potentially as soon as this month.
“When I created this team it was with Mitrovic and Neymar, before he suffered this injury that has left him out of competition for 14 or 15 months,” added Jesús.
“Unfortunately, things have become difficult for him. He still has a contract and it may be he who decides his future. It depends on the club, on the administration.
“The only thing I know is that Neymar is not registered. The window is open until January 31. So I'm not going to speculate about things I don't know.
Neymar has scored just one goal in seven appearances since his move to the Middle East and was not registered for the first half of the Saudi Pro League campaign.
The former Barcelona player, Brazil's all-time top scorer with 79 goals, harbors no resentment towards Jesus, but admitted he is “very honest.”
“If you're playing badly, he'll tell you to your face,” Neymar told Romario TV. 'As a coach he is really good. He works very well with the team.'
According to recent data from French outlet Foot Mercato, Neymar is believed to have been paid a staggering £84.6 million in all of 2024 despite his injury problems.