Reports from Saudi outlet Action Ma3 Waleed suggest that Al-Hilal, one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent football clubs, is contemplating the early termination of Brazilian star Neymar’s contract.
Neymar, who joined the Saudi Pro League club in the summer of 2023 for a transfer fee reported to be around €90 million, has had a challenging time on the field due to a series of injuries that have hindered his performance and availability.
Neymar’s arrival at Al-Hilal was initially met with immense enthusiasm. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward brought with him a legacy of impressive skills, having been one of the most influential players in European football for over a decade.
Fans and the club anticipated that Neymar would make a significant impact in the Saudi Pro League, both in terms of performance and drawing global attention to the league. However, Neymar’s journey with Al-Hilal has not gone as planned. Since joining the club, he has struggled to remain fit, facing one injury after another, and the club is reportedly questioning the practicality of his continued presence on the roster.
In October 2023, Neymar suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, a serious setback that kept him out of action for an extended period. This injury required intensive recovery and rehabilitation, sidelining the Brazilian until late October of the same year.
His return to the field was highly anticipated, with fans hoping he could finally show his true potential and contribute to Al-Hilal’s success in both domestic and international competitions.
Neymar eventually made his comeback on October 21, when Al-Hilal faced Al-Ain, a team from the United Arab Emirates. Though his presence sparked excitement, the relief was short-lived. In a subsequent game, an AFC Champions League match against Esteghlal, Neymar once again suffered an injury, just 30 minutes after coming off the bench.
This recurrence of physical issues has raised serious concerns within Al-Hilal’s management about the forward’s ability to maintain fitness and consistency.
Given the high-profile nature of Neymar’s transfer and the significant financial investment involved, Al-Hilal is reportedly now considering ending his two-year contract early, possibly as soon as January.
This decision would mark an abrupt conclusion to Neymar’s time with the Saudi club, which initially envisioned him as a cornerstone of its squad. However, given the recurring injuries and the limited game time he has managed, the club might find it more feasible to explore other options for strengthening its roster.
Adding another layer of intrigue to Neymar’s situation is the possibility of a reunion with former teammate Lionel Messi at Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). Neymar and Messi previously shared the field at Barcelona, where they formed a formidable attacking trio alongside Luis Suárez.
Their partnership was instrumental in Barcelona’s success, including their memorable 2015 UEFA Champions League title. Rumors of a potential reunion have been circulating since Messi joined Inter Miami, with fans speculating on the prospect of seeing the two stars play together once more. With Al-Hilal reportedly considering terminating Neymar’s contract, this possibility may now have a stronger foundation.
Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, has been actively seeking high-profile players to boost the club’s presence and performance in MLS. The addition of Messi has already brought substantial attention to the team and to MLS as a whole. A reunion with Neymar could further enhance Inter Miami’s appeal and strengthen its roster, potentially setting the stage for a new chapter in their careers. For Neymar, a move to Miami would provide an opportunity to reset his career in a less physically demanding league compared to Europe or the Middle East, potentially allowing him to manage his injuries more effectively.
Al-Hilal, meanwhile, has established itself as one of the top clubs in Saudi Arabia, consistently competing for league titles and participating in international tournaments.
The club’s investment in Neymar reflects the Saudi Pro League’s ambitions to become a competitive force on the global stage. Over the past few years, Saudi clubs have made significant financial commitments to attract some of the world’s most talented players, positioning the league as a destination for star athletes. However, Neymar’s experience serves as a reminder of the risks involved in signing players who may face physical challenges.
For Al-Hilal, the decision to terminate Neymar’s contract would be a financial and strategic one. Releasing him would free up resources for the club to invest in other players who might have fewer injury concerns and greater availability. While Neymar’s talent is undeniable, his frequent injuries have limited his ability to contribute, making it difficult for the club to justify his continued presence under the current circumstances.
The situation remains fluid, and Al-Hilal has yet to make an official statement regarding Neymar’s contract status. However, the reports from Action Ma3 Waleed indicate that the club is seriously weighing its options as it evaluates its squad’s needs for the remainder of the season and beyond. If Neymar’s contract is indeed terminated, the football world will be watching closely to see whether he chooses to join Inter Miami or explore other possibilities.
For Neymar, the path forward may involve recalibrating his career ambitions and managing his health to extend his time on the field. Regardless of what happens, his potential move to MLS would symbolize another high-profile addition to the league, continuing the trend of top talents choosing to play in North America.
