The poor cost-benefit ratio that Al-Hilal is suffering with the signing of Neymar

If there is one signing that, to date, has proven to be a complete disaster, it is that of Neymar Jr. to Al-Hilal. The talented Brazilian forward arrived in Saudi Arabian football during the summer transfer window of 2023 as a real coup for 'Al-Za'eem' and the Arab league, demonstrating the ability to attract big stars of world football, even though he still seemed to have much more to offer in a more competitive context, as was presumed with 'Ney'.

Unfortunately, for the Arabs, the adventure of the former FC Barcelona player in Saudi football is far from brilliant at the moment. Why? Al-Hilal has only had Neymar Jr. available for a meager five games, in which he has only scored once and provided three assists. He has missed a total of 49 matches so far due to an injury in the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus of his left leg, suffered on October 17, 2023, during the Uruguay vs. Brazil match (2-0), valid for the third round of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Al-Hilal Still Unsure When Neymar Will Return

Now, as reported by 'MARCA', both Al-Hilal and the Saudi Professional League (SPL) seem increasingly concerned about Neymar Jr.'s situation. Why? Nearly a year after his injury, his return remains unclear. Although the player from Mogi das Cruzes has been seen participating in some training sessions and regaining fitness, his return to 'Al-Za'eem's' squad, according to sources, is not expected for at least another month.

Concerns have also arisen from Arabia regarding certain off-field behaviors of 'Ney' that were not detailed by the source. This could indicate a lack of commitment from the Brazilian to return to action.

The High Cost of Ney's Signing and Its Limited Sporting Return for Al-Hilal

There is also a significant economic aspect to consider. Al-Hilal shelled out a total of 90 million euros to Paris Saint-Germain to finalize Neymar Jr.'s signing, offering him an annual salary of 100 million euros, an exorbitant figure. However, the performance they have been able to extract from the Santos youth product has been minimal.

According to disclosed figures, in Neymar Jr.'s first season as a player for Al-Hilal (2023/24), in which he only played in five matches, the club spent approximately 20 million euros for each of his appearances. A lucrative deal for the 'Canarinha's' number 10, but a harsh blow for 'Al-Za'eem', who now faces the prospect of paying out the 100 million euros again in the 2024/25 season, having barely benefited from 'Ney', whose time in Arabia, unless there is a significant turnaround, will be rather forgettable. It is worth noting that his contract with the Arab side ends on June 30, 2025, and his renewal does not seem certain.