Brazilian superstar Neymar could be heading for an early exit from Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal as the club reportedly weighs up ending his contract in January.
Softfootball understands that Al-Hilal are reconsidering Neymar’s future following his latest injury setback, with concerns growing over his ability to contribute consistently during the remainder of the season.
The 32-year-old only returned to action last month after spending a year on the sidelines recovering from a torn ACL sustained while representing Brazil in October 2023.
However, his comeback suffered another blow on Monday when he was forced off just 29 minutes after coming on as a substitute in Al-Hilal’s AFC Champions League victory over Esteghlal.
Although Neymar played down fears by suggesting the issue was only cramp in his right thigh, reports in Brazil indicate he could be sidelined for at least three weeks.
According to Brazilian outlet UOL via msn.com, Al-Hilal are now exploring the possibility of mutually terminating the forward’s contract in January. The Saudi club reportedly has doubts about the role Neymar can play during the final six months of his deal, which expires at the end of the season.
Ending his contract would also free up a foreign-player slot, with Al-Hilal currently at the Saudi Pro League’s limit of eight overseas players aged over 21. The club’s other foreign stars have established themselves as key figures during Neymar’s lengthy absence.
A January departure could pave the way for Neymar to return to Santos, where he began his professional career, while a reunion with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami has also been widely speculated.
Al-Hilal paid Paris Saint-Germain £78 million to sign Neymar in 2023 and handed him a contract reportedly worth around £130 million per year. However, injuries have restricted him to just seven competitive appearances, during which he has scored once and provided three assists.
