Al-Hilal consider contract termination for Neymar amid injury woes

Neymar’s future at Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal is reportedly in doubt as the club considers terminating his £130 million-a-year contract in January, following persistent injury setbacks.

The Brazilian superstar, who joined Al-Hilal from PSG in 2023, has played just seven times for the club due to ongoing fitness issues.

Neymar, 32, returned to the pitch last month after recovering from a year-long absence caused by an ACL injury sustained while playing for Brazil in October 2022.

A post by the Daily Mail on Wednesday noted that his comeback hit another setback this week when he was forced to leave Al-Hilal’s Asian Champions League match against Esteghlal just 29 minutes after coming on as a substitute.

While Neymar suggested the issue was a cramp in his right thigh, Brazilian sources reported he may be sidelined for an additional three weeks.

Al-Hilal, now weighing Neymar’s value to the squad, is considering a mutual contract termination in January, according to Brazilian outlet UOL.

The club’s confidence in Neymar’s contributions has waned, especially given the star’s £130 million annual salary and a contract set to expire at the season’s end.

A January exit would also relieve the financial strain while allowing manager Jorge Jesus greater roster flexibility, as Al-Hilal currently has a maximum of eight foreign players over 21.

The former Barcelona and PSG star has been linked with potential moves back to Brazil, specifically to his former club Santos and to Inter Miami, where he could reunite with ex-teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

Al-Hilal, however, has performed well in Neymar’s absence, securing the Saudi Pro League title last season and remaining at the top of the league this campaign with eight wins in nine matches.

The club has also seen success in other tournaments, such as the Super Cup and the Asian Champions League while preparing for the FIFA Club World Cup at season’s end.

Al-Hilal paid PSG a £78 million transfer fee for Neymar in 2023, banking on his star power to make a significant impact.

Yet, injuries have limited him to a single goal and three assists.

With Aleksandar Mitrovic emerging as the club’s top scorer with 13 goals across competitions, Neymar’s uncertain fitness has cast his future at Al-Hilal into serious question.