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 limped off after 29 minutes in the Asian Champions League on Monday
- The Brazilian only returned to action last month after a cruciate ligament injury
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Neymar will reportedly be suspended by Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in January due to the Brazilian star’s ongoing injury problems.
The 32-year-old returned to Al-Hilal last month after a year away after tearing the cruciate ligament in his left knee while playing for Brazil last October.
Neymar suffered a setback in his comeback on Monday after being sent off for 29 minutes after coming on as a substitute in Al-Hilal’s Asian Champions League victory over Esteghlal.
The former Barcelona and PSG star has tried to allay concerns about his injury by suggesting it was a cramp in his right thigh, but Brazilian reports claim he could be sidelined for at least three weeks.
According to a Brazilian outlet UOLAl-Hilal is now considering cutting ties with the superstar in January.
Al-Hilal are reportedly considering cutting ties with Neymar in January after another setback
Neymar suffered another injury during Monday’s Asian Champions League match
The forward has only just returned from a year’s absence after sustaining his cruciate ligament injury while serving in Brazil
The report claims the club are increasingly questioning the role Neymar could play in the final six months of the season, with his £130m-a-year contract set to expire at the end of the season.
Al-Hilal are reportedly considering a mutual termination of Neymar’s contract in January in a bid to reduce his wages, while manager Jorge Jesus is given more flexibility in his squad.
Neymar is currently one of eight foreign players over the age of 21 in Al-Hilal’s squad, putting the club at the limit of foreign 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 chance to return to Brazil, where he has been linked with a return to Santos, where he had his breakthrough.
The star has also been tipped to reunite with his former teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at MLS side Inter Miami, with the trio forming a legendary attacking force during their time at Barcelona.
Despite paying PSG a fee of £78 million to sign Neymar in a landmark deal in 2023, and handing the star a lucrative contract, Al-Hilal has seen little return on his spending.
Injuries limited Neymar to just seven league appearances for the club, scoring one goal and providing three assists.
Al-Hilal are reportedly increasingly questioning Neymar’s role due to his injury problems
A departure in January would give coach Jorge Jesus the opportunity to sign another foreign player
Neymar has made just seven appearances since joining Al-Hilal and was tipped to leave
Al-Hilal 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 sit top of the table after eight wins and one draw from nine games so far this season, with Aleksandar Mitrovic being their top scorer with thirteen goals in all competitions.
Al-Hilal have also won the Super Cup and are involved in both the Asian Champions League and Kings Cup.
The club will also set its sights on the FIFA Club World Cup at the end of the campaign.
