Al-Hilal ‘consider terminating Neymar’s £130m-a-year contract in January’ after latest injury setback – with superstar having played just seven times for Saudi Pro League club
Neymar reportedly faces being axed by Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in January amid the Brazilian star’s continued injury problems.
The 32-year-old returned for Al-Hilal last month following a year-long absence, after tearing his ACL in his left knee while playing for Brazil last October.
Neymar suffered a setback to his comeback on Monday having being forced off 29 minutes after coming on as a substitute in Al-Hilal’s Asian Champions League win over Esteghlal.
The former Barcelona and PSG star has sought to play down injury concerns by suggesting it was a cramp of his right thigh, but Brazilian reports have claimed he could be sidelined for at least three weeks.
According to Brazilian outlet UOL, Al-Hilal are now considering cutting ties with the superstar in January.
Al-Hilal are reportedly considering cutting ties with Neymar in January after another setback
Neymar sustained another injury during their Asian Champions League match on Monday
The forward has only just returned from a year absence after injuring his ACL on Brazil duty
The report claims the club have increasing doubts over the role Neymar could play in the final six months of the season, with his £130million-per-year deal due to expire at the end of the campaign.
Al-Hilal are reportedly considering a mutual termination of Neymar’s deal in January in a bid to offload his wages, while provide manager Jorge Jesus with greater flexibility in his squad.
Neymar is currently one of eight foreign players over the age of 21 in the Al-Hilal squad, putting the club at their limit of overseas imports under Saudi Pro League rules.
The remaining seven players have become key parts of the squad in Neymar’s absence, leaving the Brazilian’s future in doubt.
A termination of his contract would offer Neymar the opportunity to return to Brazil, where he has been linked with rejoining Santos, where he made his breakthrough.
The star has also been tipped to reunite with his former team-mates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at MLS side Inter Miami, with the trio having formed a legendary attacking force during their time at Barcelona.
Despite paying PSG a £78million fee to sign Neymar in a landmark move in 2023, plus handing the star a lucrative contract, Al-Hilal have seen little return on their outlay.
Injuries have restricted Neymar to just seven competitive appearances for the club, where he scored one goal and provided three assists.
Al-Hilal reportedly have increasing doubts over Neymar’s role amid his problems with injury
An exit in January would give coach Jorge Jesus the chance to sign another overseas player
Neymar has played just seven times since joining Al-Hilal and has been tipped with an exit
Al-Hilal have continued to perform well in the Saudi Pro League despite Neymar’s absence
Al-Hilal have performed well without Neymar, with the club winning the Saudi Pro League title last season.
The team are top of the table after winning eight and drawing one of their nine matches so far this campaign, with Aleksandar Mitrovic their top scorer with 13 goals in all competitions.
Al-Hilal have also won the Super Cup and are involved in both the Asian Champions League and Kings Cup competitions.
The club will also have their sights set on the FIFA Club World Cup at the end of the campaign.
