Neymar is Being Pushed Out of Saudi Arabia. A Chance to Revive a Legendary Partnership
Or a return to his hometown club.
Neymar has spent more time recovering from injuries than playing in recent years. Bad luck seems to follow him: as soon as he recovered from an ACL tear that sidelined him for a year, he found himself back in rehab — this time with a hamstring injury that will keep him out for a month and a half. The Brazilian star has played only seven matches for Saudi club Al Hilal, which isn’t exactly what the club's wealthy backers had in mind when they paid PSG €90 million in the summer of 2023.
The club’s head coach, Jorge Jesus, has reached a grim conclusion: “His knee has healed, but now he’s going to have recurring muscle problems because he hasn’t played for so long.” The Portuguese manager also subtly hinted that Neymar needs to get his priorities straight: “Ronaldo’s main passion is football; it’s his priority. Neymar’s priorities are different. He puts things outside of football above it. But as a player, he’s still incredible. And he’s a good person. I worked with him for a month and a half, and he greatly surprised me.”
Al Hilal is tired of paying Neymar an astronomical €200 million a year to have him on the roster. According to calculations by GiveMeSport, this amounts to €120 million per goal, €40 million per assist, €17.14 million per appearance, €306,000 per touch, and €280,000 per minute on the field. The price-to-performance ratio is completely off: Neymar left Messi’s shadow only to become a shadow of himself.
According to UOL, the club will closely examine Neymar’s physical condition this winter. If the prognosis is poor, they’re prepared to terminate his contract, which runs until the summer of 2025.
Neymar will turn 33 in February. Given his age and history of injuries, his options for continuing his career are limited. Reports suggest he’ll be choosing between Santos and Inter Miami. Santos is Neymar’s hometown club, which recently hit hard times, getting relegated for the first time in its 111-year history. However, it’s currently at the top of the lower league. UOL reports Neymar has given the go-ahead for the transfer. He’s been promised an “extraordinary” contract with a high guaranteed salary and a share in commercial activities, including jersey sales and sponsor deals driven by his name.
Meanwhile, Neymar promised David Beckham in 2020 that he’d play for his club, Inter Miami. Here’s their exchange:
— One day, I’ll ask you to sign a contract. It won’t be easy. It’ll be a 10-year contract for you. We’ll pay you a lot.
— Agreed! I’ve already said I’ll play there someday. That’s it; I’ve got a contract with David. My president is David Beckham.
And now some of Neymar’s old friends are in Miami: Leo Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. Imagine how incredible it would be if the iconic MSN trio reunited! Rumors aren’t baseless: The Wall Street Journal insiders reported that Neymar bought land in Miami. However, there’s one hitch: according to Goal, Inter Miami’s head coach, Tata Martino, has denied transfer rumors due to Neymar’s injury history and salary cap issues in the MLS, which has strict regulations. Still, Beckham managed to bring four former Barcelona stars. Could he find a way to bring in a fifth?
Former U.S. national team player Herculez Gomez is optimistic about the idea, saying that Neymar truly wants to come to the U.S.: “Neymar doesn’t just want to join Inter Miami. I think he needs it — to revive his career with friends around him. With Messi, he could regain his best form, something many no longer believe in. Look at Suarez. Luis has shown that you can make a comeback even after a series of injuries. Neymar can do it, too. If he revives himself, it will also benefit Brazil’s national team. Brazil desperately needs him.”
Noted agent Paulo Barbosa shed light on Neymar’s conflict with Jesus and confirmed a high likelihood of him parting ways with Al Hilal, believing Neymar might go to the U.S. first and then return to Brazil. “His time in Saudi Arabia hasn’t been successful. Injuries were a significant factor. He didn’t adapt, leading to a conflict with the coach. This wasn’t made public, but it did happen. Jesus wasn’t pleased with Neymar’s lack of motivation, which showed in his attitude. He played without interest. This was a significant issue.
There are two options: Brazil or MLS. Neymar wants to end his career in Brazil. But it’s too early for that. I think he’ll go to MLS to be with his friends. Messi is waiting for him.”
This seems logical, as long as injuries don’t spoil it again — wherever he ends up.
Published by Patrick Jane
12.11.2024