Neymar Jr. has once again stood out in the international sports landscape. Unfortunately, at this moment, he is not being talked about for his great performances, as one would expect from this talented forward, but rather for the complicated situation he is experiencing in Saudi Arabian football.
At Al-Hilal, the team that paid the significant sum of €90 million to Paris Saint-Germain during the summer transfer market of the 2023-24 season to acquire his services. However, Neymar Jr. has had little involvement on the field.
Since his arrival at Al-Hilal, Neymar Jr. has only played seven matches. First, he had to face a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left leg, which kept him away from action for over a year. Just when there was hope that the former Barcelona player could play regularly with the Arab team, he suffered another physical setback, with a recovery time estimated at approximately two weeks at a minimum.
Al-Hilal would be open to letting Neymar Jr. go in January
This situation has reportedly led to frustration at Al-Hilal, as the team, according to the program 'Action Ma'Waleed', has reached a breaking point with Neymar Jr. and would be open to letting him leave in the upcoming winter transfer market, tired of the forward's constant physical issues.
This could also be a maneuver by Al-Hilal to perhaps recover some of the investment made in the player, as it should not be overlooked that the forward will finish his contract with the Riyadh team on June 30, 2025. If this happens, he could leave as a free agent and, therefore, not leave any transfer fee, a situation that would be the last straw for the Saudi team.
In this regard, according to the aforementioned source, Al-Hilal would not even register him for the upcoming winter window, aiming to expedite his departure as soon as possible. It is worth remembering that the 'Al-Za'eem' has not registered Neymar Jr. in its roster for the Saudi Pro League as its quota of foreign players is full. However, he is registered for the AFC Champions League and the Kings Cup.
In any case, considering that the two-week recovery period stipulated for the type of injury he is facing is about to be completed, Neymar would only have one opportunity left to play a match with the Al-Hilal shirt this year, which would be the Champions League match corresponding to matchday five against Al-Saad, set to take place on November 26. Of the remaining matches for the Arab team this year, which are a total of six, five are in the Saudi Pro League, where, as previously mentioned, he is not registered and will not be able to be fielded until the opening of the winter transfer window.
'Ney' might also be interested in leaving the Arab team
Now it remains to be seen how this case will unfold, as Neymar Jr., despite not having favorable physical conditions lately, remains an attractive player for more than one club that would like to have a player of his caliber on their roster. When in peak physical condition, he has shown that he can be a truly differential element, so any club could attempt to make a move for him.
It is also clear that Neymar Jr. will likely prioritize the best sporting proposal once he recovers. One cannot overlook the reality that the forward hopes to showcase his football in optimal conditions to be in the best possible shape for the FIFA World Cup 2026, a tournament that could be the last major competition for 'Ney' with the Brazil national team.
Al-Hilal would like to replace Neymar with a true market 'sensation'
On the other hand, Al-Hilal has apparently also shown interest in parting ways with Neymar Jr. to incorporate another great international talent. Curiously, the Riyadh team would be in a position to acquire the services of one of the big stars currently playing in the Saudi Pro League, none other than the Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo, a star who has already achieved success in Arab football in statistical terms. However, the arrival of 'CR7' at 'Al-Za'eem' seems complicated at first.