Neymar in talks to leave Saudi club Al-Hilal

Neymar is in discussions about leaving his Saudi club, Al-Hilal, but his high financial demands are proving to be a significant obstacle, a club source revealed to AFP on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward has struggled with injuries since his move to Saudi Arabia, playing just seven times despite reportedly earning around $104 million a year.

According to the source, who requested anonymity, “Neymar is discussing his departure with Al-Hilal, but his high financial demands remain a major obstacle.”

Neymar is under contract with Al-Hilal until June 2024, but reports in Brazil suggest Santos, the club where Neymar began his career, is in talks to bring him back to Brazil. Al-Hilal is reportedly favouring a transfer for Neymar, while Neymar himself is seeking a loan deal.

The Brazilian superstar made headlines in 2017 for the record-breaking transfer to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona for €220 million ($230 million), which remains the most expensive move in football history. Neymar joined Al-Hilal in August 2023, following in the footsteps of fellow superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in moving to the lucrative Saudi Pro League.

However, his time in Riyadh has been plagued with injuries. Just two months after joining Al-Hilal, Neymar suffered a ruptured cruciate ligament in his left knee during a 2026 World Cup qualifier with Brazil, sidelining him for nearly a year. Subsequent hamstring and knee injuries have hindered his recovery and return to action.

Al-Hilal’s head coach, Jorge Jesus, recently acknowledged the difficulty Neymar faces in returning to peak form, stating, “He can no longer play at the level we are used to. Things have become difficult for him, unfortunately.”