Brazilian superstar Neymar is reportedly nearing a return to his boyhood club Santos, marking a potential end to his stint with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
The 32-year-old forward has struggled to make an impact since joining the Saudi club in a £78 million deal from PSG in the summer of 2023. 
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Santos has submitted a formal loan proposal for Neymar and is awaiting a green light from Al-Hilal.
Romano shared on X, “Neymar Jr. is close to returning to Santos as the Brazilian club has now submitted a formal loan proposal! Santos are waiting for a green light from Al Hilal; timing depends on the Saudi club.”
The potential move comes after Al-Hilal’s manager, Jorge Jesus, publicly expressed doubts about Neymar’s ability to compete at the top level following a series of injuries.
Neymar, who ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee while on international duty with Brazil, has been sidelined for nearly 14 months.
His hamstring injury in November further delayed his return.
Speaking about Neymar’s situation, Jesus said, “When I created this team, it was with Mitrovic and Neymar, before he had this injury that has left him out of the competition for 14 or 15 months.
Things have become difficult for him, unfortunately.
He is still under contract, and it may be up to him to decide his future. It depends on the club, on the administration.”
Despite his challenges, Neymar remains a revered figure at Santos, where he began his professional career and scored 107 goals in 177 appearances.
A move back to the club would undoubtedly be celebrated by fans as a homecoming for one of their greatest talents.
Meanwhile, Neymar’s future at Al-Hilal appears increasingly uncertain, with the player left out of the Saudi Pro League squad for the second half of the season.
Neymar has also been linked with a potential move to Major League Soccer (MLS), which could materialize as early as this month.
However, Santos remains the frontrunner for his signature.
A source close to the Brazilian club revealed that the player would be welcomed with open arms should the deal be finalized.
Neymar’s limited contributions at Al-Hilal—just one goal in seven appearances—have added to speculation about his future.
Al-Hilal’s decision to exclude him from the Pro League squad underscores the challenges he has faced in adapting to his new environment.
The potential return to Santos offers Neymar an opportunity to rebuild his career while reconnecting with the club where he first made his name.
As negotiations continue, fans eagerly await confirmation of the move, hoping to see the Brazilian star shine once again on familiar ground.
