Al-Hilal, one of Saudi Arabia’s top football clubs, is reportedly considering ending its contract with Brazilian star Neymar due to his persistent injury troubles. The club, which signed Neymar for an eye-watering £130 million-a-year deal in 2023, is said to be weighing a mutual termination of the contract in January.
Neymar, 32, joined Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) with high hopes and star power, but injuries have limited him to just seven appearances for the team. He initially returned to action last month after a lengthy recovery from a severe ACL injury suffered in October 2022 while representing Brazil. However, his comeback was short-lived. During an Asian Champions League match against Esteghlal this week, Neymar was forced off the field just 29 minutes after coming on as a substitute, raising fresh concerns about his fitness.
According to sources close to Neymar, the latest issue may only be a cramp in his right thigh, but Brazilian media outlets have suggested that he could be sidelined for up to three more weeks. This recurring struggle has reportedly tested Al-Hilal’s patience. The club, according to Brazilian outlet UOL, is now reassessing Neymar’s role and weighing the option of terminating his contract.
The timing is significant, as Al-Hilal’s confidence in Neymar has taken a hit due to his limited contributions, despite the club’s major financial commitment to him. With Neymar earning £130 million per year, Al-Hilal’s management is keenly aware of the strain on resources, especially since the team is already at the foreign player limit of eight over-21 international stars. Terminating his contract in January would not only ease the financial burden but also give manager Jorge Jesus more flexibility to strengthen the squad.
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Despite Neymar’s struggles, Al-Hilal has thrived, dominating the Saudi Pro League with eight wins in nine matches and securing titles such as the Saudi Pro League and performing well in other tournaments, including the Asian Champions League. Much of the team’s success has been led by Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has emerged as a key player with 13 goals across competitions, underscoring Al-Hilal’s ability to perform without their marquee signing.
Neymar’s future remains uncertain, but there is speculation he may return to Brazil, with his former club Santos among potential destinations. Another possible move could see him joining Inter Miami, where he could reunite with former teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
For now, Al-Hilal faces a difficult decision. Neymar’s injury setbacks have limited him to just one goal and three assists since his arrival, a far cry from the impact the club hoped for when they paid PSG a £78 million transfer fee.