Santos, relegated in Brazil’s Second Division, dreams of convincing Neymar to return to his roots, despite his recent move to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
Neymar, the Brazilian football sensation, recently made a lucrative move to Al-Hilal, securing a contract until 2025 with an estimated annual income of around €200 million. However, Santos, Neymar’s former club, is not giving up hope on a potential reunion. According to Globoesporte, club president Marcelo Teixeira visited Neymar’s family last Friday, expressing the club’s desire to see him return one day.
Neymar departed Santos twelve years ago to join Barcelona, embarking on a remarkable international career. Teixeira emphasized the importance of having professional and successful projects for both the player and the club. Discussions have taken place regarding Neymar’s potential involvement in such projects, with a focus on professional and personal endeavors.
In the meantime, Neymar is hopeful to have his iconic number 11 jersey retired, a gesture often reserved for legends like Pelé, showcasing the club’s eagerness to lure him back. Simultaneously, Santos is actively seeking investors to finance Neymar’s potential return, aiming to grow and compete with football powerhouses globally.
Teixeira expressed the club’s strategy to appeal to numerous investors in the Arab market while implementing a suitable policy for player development. Positive discussions have taken place, although they remain in the theoretical stage. The club envisions that taking control of management will intensify their efforts to make these projects viable, enabling Santos to grow and compete at the highest level.