Neymar back at Al Hilal amid Santos return talk
Neymar returned to Saudi Arabia this week as he continues his rehabilitation from a long-term knee injury, amid speculation he is set to join his first club Santos at the end of his contract.
The Brazilian was greeted by a delegation from club side Al Hilal, as well as supporters on his arrival in Riyadh, who handed the 32-year-old flowers and gifts while he also signed shirts for young fans.
Neymar’s return to the kingdom comes as a report by Spanish newspaper El Nacional indicated he wants to head back to his homeland when his contract expires in 2025 to return to the club he first joined as an 11-year-old.
Neymar was ruled out for the season after rupturing his ACL and meniscus during a 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat to Uruguay in October.
The Brazilian joined the Saudi Pro League leaders Al Hilal for a reported €90 million last August, a club and league record transfer fee, signing a two-year contract said to be worth €150 million per year.
Neymar managed only five appearances for Al Hilal before his season was curtailed by injury. His debut was delayed while he overcame an existing ankle problem, with him making his first appearance for the club off the bench in a 6-1 win over local rivals Al Riyadh in September.
Neymar’s absence has not been overly felt on the field. Jorge Jesus’ side top the Saudi Pro League table by seven points at the halfway stage with Aleksandar Mitrovic carrying the goalscoring burden.
Hilal face Iran’s Sepahan in the Asian Champions League last 16, with the second leg set for Riyadh on February 22.
The Saudi Pro League returned to action on Thursday after a one-month hiatus for the delayed 2023 Asian Cup.