Brazilian football star Neymar could be facing an early exit from Al-Hilal, as the Saudi Pro League club is reportedly considering terminating his contract in January due to ongoing injury issues.
The 32-year-old forward has struggled to stay fit since joining the club in 2023, with his injury woes casting doubt over his future in Saudi Arabia.
Neymar returned to action last month after a year-long absence, having torn his ACL while playing for Brazil in October 2022. However, his comeback was short-lived.
On Monday, Neymar was forced off the pitch just 29 minutes after coming on as a substitute during Al-Hilal’s Asian Champions League win over Esteghlal.
While Neymar downplayed the setback, calling it a cramp in his right thigh, reports from Brazil suggest he could be sidelined for at least three weeks.
According to Brazilian outlet UOL, Al-Hilal is now seriously considering parting ways with Neymar in January, with the club growing increasingly uncertain about his role in the team.
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His £130 million-per-year contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and with Neymar’s fitness a constant concern, the club is weighing a mutual contract termination to offload his wages and provide greater flexibility to manager Jorge Jesus.
Neymar’s situation is further complicated by the fact that Al-Hilal already has the maximum number of foreign players allowed under Saudi Pro League rules, with seven overseas imports playing pivotal roles in the squad during Neymar’s absence.
A contract termination would open up space for the club to strengthen its squad, while giving Neymar the chance to return to Brazil or possibly join MLS side Inter Miami, where he has been linked with a reunion with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez.
Since joining Al-Hilal for a reported £78 million transfer fee from Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar has struggled to make an impact, appearing in just seven competitive matches, scoring one goal, and providing three assists.
