At this point, it’s safe to say that Neymar Jr is the master of blockbuster transfers. The Brazilian has only switched clubs three times in his career, and he’s managed to dominate the headlines in all of those times. The first was his move from Santos to Barcelona in 2013 for a reported fee of €86.2 million, with Neymar’s parents pocketing €40 million.
Neymar also broke another record when he moved to PSG in 2017 for €222 million, and six years later, he made another big-money move to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. Sadly, Neymar’s deal at the Saudi club has been reportedly terminated, as he misses out on registration for the second half of the season, but it seems that is not the case.
Did Al Hilal terminate Neymar Jr’s contract?
Neymar Jr joined Al Hilal to much fanfare from the Saudi club. He had been deemed surplus to requirements at PSG, with Lionel Messi also leaving at the end of his contract to join Inter Miami in the MLS. Neymar Jr signed a two-year deal with the Saudi club, with a reported yearly salary of €150 million.
Neymar’s unveiling was magical. Fans trooped in from all across the country to watch the most successful club in the country unveil one of the most exciting players in the world. Sadly, Neymar’s start to life in Saudi Arabia hit a snag when he suffered a season-ending ACL injury while on international duty with Brazil in October of 2023.
This quickly started a rumor Al Hilal were considering removing Neymar from their payroll just a few months after signing for them. This rumor was even made stronger when the club removed him from their squad list for the rest of the season to make room for Renan Lodi.
However, sports journalist Fabrizio Romano cleared the air yesterday when he reported that Neymar only missed out on the squad list to make room for Lodi as the club’s list of international players had been filled up, and Neymar Jr’s season had already been over due to injury.
When will Neymar Jr be able to play again?
Neymar suffered an injury while playing a qualifying game for his country against Uruguay. The team doctors quickly ruled him out for the rest of the season after suffering an ACL injury, and fans are now wondering when the former Barca and PSG star will be back in action.
“There’s no point in skipping steps to recover sooner,” Doctor Lasmar told Rede 98. “Our expectation is that he will be prepared to return at the start of the 2024 season in Europe, which is August,” he added.
Millions of Brazilians are hoping their captain will be back in time for the start of the 2024 Copa America, which will be hosted by the United States. However, Neymar’s doctor has warned against rushing their star man back onto the pitch when he should be taking his time to recover fully.
