Neymar Jr. is being rumored to make another sensational transfer. The Brazilian, who has made big moves to Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain and made a recent sensational move to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, is linked with a historic return.
Soccer is a sport where fans and players are emotionally connected to the clubs they play for, especially their boyhood clubs. However, Neymar had to leave his boyhood club in order to make his name in Europe, but it seems his love for them is causing a potential new transfer.
Is Neymar Jr. returning to Santos?
Neymar Jr. made a big move to Al Hilal last summer, but he has not been able to play for them much due to an injury. The Brazilian is even expected to miss the upcoming Copa America tournament as well. He is also heavily involved with many scandals off the pitch.
Recently, Neymar attended a match in Brazil between his boyhood club Santos and Corinthians. He wore a T-shirt with the club’s logo on it and even posted a video on his Instagram account regarding his return there. This has gotten many fans excited, as it was his first visit to his boyhood club in years. Many are dreaming of his return to where his career began.
🚨 Brazilian side Santos are plotting a move to bring Neymar Jr back to the club after he recovers from his knee injury and finishes his 'experience in Saudi Arabia'.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) February 12, 2024
(Source: @MailSport) pic.twitter.com/4jANGivgse
Santos club president Marcelo Teixeira further fueled such rumors by confirming he spoke to the player regarding a return. In an interview with ESPN Brazil, he confirmed that he held a short but fruitful talk with the 32-year-old superstar. He said, “The conversation was very brief, but quick conversations are often the most effective.”
But he did confirm that it will only be when he is totally healthy and when he finishes his contract at Al Hilal. “To play here, he needs to recover well. He will continue his experience there and then come.” His contract at Al Hilal only ends in 2025, after which he will be free to leave them for free. By that time, his knee injury will hopefully be fixed, and he can return to his best form.
Neymar Jr.’s career at Santos
Neymar Jr. began his career at Santos from their youth levels, just like many legends before him, such as the great Pele. He first signed an academy contract in 2003 and impressed through their ranks. His professional debut in senior soccer came in 2009, when he was only 17 years old. His first season would see him rack up 14 goals, a sign of what was to come.
The second season saw more success from the player, as he scored an impressive 42 goals and won some team trophies as well. Interest from Europe had started to arrive, but he decided to stay put.
In 2011, Neymar played a pivotal role in Santos winning the prestigious Copa Libertadores, their first since the days of Pele. He would lead them to the FIFA Club World Cup final, where they lost to Barcelona. He won both the Puskas Award that year as well as the South American Footballer of the Year award.
His success continued the next year, as he again won the South American Footballer of the Year award. Neymar also completed his 100-goal mark for Santos. Neymar would eventually leave the club in 2013 for Barcelona, crying emotionally in his last game for Santos.
It will be beautiful to see Neymar Jr. return to the club where he started his career and finally complete his career there.
