Neymar has been linked with an exit from Al Hilal, with his contract in Saudi Arabia set to expire at the end of the season
Neymar of Al-Hilal reacts from the bench following an injury during the AFC Champions League Elite match between Al-Hilal and Esteghlal at Kingdom Arena on November 04, 2024
Neymar has previously named the four Premier League teams that he’d consider joining. The 32-year-old winger’s future at Al Hilal is hanging in the balance, with his contract due to expire in the summer.
Come January, clubs outside Saudi Arabia can start discussions with Neymar about a free transfer in the summer, unless he agrees to a new deal with Al Hilal sooner. If no extension is signed, the Saudi Pro League club faces a tough decision: risk losing Neymar for nothing if negotiations drag on or seek a fee in the next transfer window.
With the clock ticking, there’s speculation about a nostalgic return to Santos, where Neymar first made waves as a prodigious talent. A switch to the Premier League has also been mooted.
During his spell at Barcelona, Neymar expressed his admiration for the English league. As quoted by SportBible, he said: “The Premier League is a championship that amazes me. I like the playing style and the teams. And who knows? Someday, I would like to play [in] it, yes. I admire Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool – these are the teams that are always there fighting.”
Back in June, Gilberto Silva claimed that Neymar could be tempted back to Europe, naming the Gunners as a potential destination. Speaking to Bet365, the former Arsenal midfielder said: “I’d love to see Neymar in the Premier League with Arsenal.
“It would bring a lot of joy to fans and make the competition even more special. When you look at the Premier League, we want to see the best players in the world, and to have him around would be great. Let’s see. It’s not impossible that he could join Arsenal, why not.”
Despite the excitement such a move would generate among fans eager to witness Neymar take on the Premier League challenge, the Brazilian forward’s exit from Al Hilal has been dismissed by Pini Zahavi. Speaking to Fabrizio Romano, his representative said: “There are no talks ongoing for Neymar to leave Al-Hilal.
