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Brazilian football superstar Neymar is reportedly in discussions to leave Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, but negotiations are being delayed due to his substantial financial demands, a club insider revealed on Wednesday.
The 32-year-old forward, known for his stints with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, has faced an injury-ridden tenure at Al-Hilal, making only seven appearances despite earning an estimated $104 million annually.
“Neymar is exploring a potential departure from Al-Hilal, but his high financial expectations are a significant roadblock,” said a source, who requested anonymity.
Neymar’s current contract with the Saudi club is set to run until June. Reports from Brazil suggest that Santos, the club where Neymar launched his career, is keen to bring him back to Brazil. However, while Neymar reportedly prefers a loan move, Al-Hilal is said to favor a transfer deal.
The Brazilian icon, who still holds the record for the most expensive transfer in football history after his €220 million ($230 million) move from Barcelona to PSG in 2017, joined Al-Hilal in August 2023. His move to Saudi Arabia followed the high-profile signings of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in the league.
Unfortunately, Neymar’s time in Riyadh has been plagued by injuries. Two months after his arrival, he suffered a ruptured cruciate ligament in his left knee while representing Brazil in a 2026 World Cup qualifier. The injury sidelined him for a year, and subsequent hamstring and knee issues further hampered his ability to return to full form for Al-Hilal.
Al-Hilal’s head coach, Jorge Jesus, recently commented on Neymar’s struggles: “He can no longer play at the level we are used to. It’s been a challenging time for him, unfortunately.”
A potential return to Santos could provide a fresh start for Neymar, who is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 127 matches. Many believe it would mark a fitting chapter for the player as he nears the twilight of his illustrious career.
