Neymar appears set to put an end to his nightmare spell in Saudi Arabia, with it reported he is close to returning to his boyhood club Santos.

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• Neymar close to joining Santos on loan
• Brazil star eyeing return to boyhood club
• Set to turn down Messi reunion

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Brazil's all-time top goalscorer is close to completing a six-month loan to Santos as he looks to recapture the magic he once displayed week-in-week-out, long before his ill-fated move to Al-Hilal. Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Santos have tabled an official offer to Al-Hilal and are close to beating a host of MLS clubs to a sensational coup. Should Neymar finalise the switch, he will see out the remaining time on his contract with the Saudi Arabian club on loan at Santos, rejecting the chance of a reunion with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Neymar's disastrous spell in Saudi Arabia is finally coming to an end. The Brazilian was part of an influx of superstars to the country in the summer of 2023 but has struggled with injuries and form, leaving fans and the club disappointed. With the forward still hopeful that he can make an impact at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, it is unsurprising he is looking for a fresh start. Returning home to his boyhood club could prove to be the start of his redemption.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Neymar broke through at Santos aged 17 and his eye-catching flair and goal scoring caught the eye of the world's biggest clubs. He left for Barcelona in 2013 after 225 games and 136 goals in the Santos shirt. If Neymar does indeed seal a return to Brazil, he will be greeted with a hero's welcome.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR NEYMAR?

  Neymar may well be on his way back to Santos, with Al-Hilal having already decided against registering him for the second half of the Saudi Pro League season. After those six months, it remains to be seen how much football Neymar would have played and where his future lies, or indeed if he has a chance of getting back into the Brazil squad.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News