Neymar visited Vila Belmiro for the second time this year, and it seems that his intention is to do so more consistently in 2025. According to Gabriela Brino from UOL, the Brazilian star told the Santos players he will return to the club to compete in the next Brasileirão.
The former PSG star reportedly gave the message during a quick visit to the dressing room before the first leg final of the Campeonato Paulista, in which Peixe beat Palmeiras 1-0 with Ney on the stands.
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Promotion and a loan could be the keys for the reunion
Let’s keep in mind that Alvinegro will play in the Serie B (second division) this year, having been relegated for the first time in its history in 2023. Therefore, Neymar’s promise could be just more source of motivation for the Santos squad to achieve promotion.
However, the 31-year-old player is under contract with Al-Hilal until June 2025. Therefore, the most feasible way of completing a return to Brazil would be through a loan move, as his transfer fee may be too high for Peixe’s finances. In that case, Neymar would need to sign an extension with the Saudi club before going out on loan.
Com a taça da final do @Paulistao: @neymarjr, Clodoaldo e Pepe. QUE MOMENTO! 💥🐳 pic.twitter.com/CFBoeMS7gy
— Santos FC (@SantosFC) March 31, 2024
The Brazilian played just five games (one goal and three assists) with the Riyadh-based team since his arrival in August 2023, as he suffered an ACL injury while on international duty in October.
Good relationship with the president and the 2026 World Cup in sight
As he continues with rehab, the former Barcelona player seized the opportunity to visit his hometown and reconnect with familiar faces. According to UOL, both Ney and his family have a great relationship with Marcelo Teixeira, who returned to the presidency of Santos in December.
The Peixe chairman, in fact, has reportedly visited the player at his residence in Mangaratiba amidst the electoral campaign to express his desire to repatriate him.
COMEMORA, @neymarjr! É GOL DO PEIXÃO! 🙌#SANxPAL | 1×0 pic.twitter.com/UQMbSSpCtm
— Santos FC (@SantosFC) March 31, 2024
Furthermore, Brino reports that both parties see this hypothetical reunion as a good opportunity for Neymar to prepare for the 2026 World Cup. For the club, meanwhile, it would mean increasing its visibility to the world and, of course, adding a decisive player to return to glory days.
