Neymar named four Premier League clubs he would sign for before completing shock return to Santos

Neymar has already named the four Premier League clubs he would ‘sign’ for as a move back to Santos nears.

Neymar, 32, looks set to return to his boyhood club in the coming days after his contract at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal was cancelled by mutual consent.

Neymar joined the club for a fee of £77.6m after leaving PSG in the summer of 2023.

However, after enduring a torrid time with injuries, the former Barcelona man’s time in the Gulf State has not gone as he may have liked, having scored just once in seven games across a 16-month spell at the club - costing £10.5m in wages per game according to talkSPORT.

Al Hilal issued a short statement to confirm the player’s departure.

"Al Hilal and Neymar Jr. have agreed to terminate the player’s contract by mutual consent,” read the statement posted to X.

"Thank you and good luck, Neymar."

Now, a return to Santos looks increasingly imminent with journalist Fabrizio Romano issuing an update via X on Monday.

“Neymar Jr back to Santos, story confirmed and HERE WE GO!” he wrote.

“Al Hilal have terminated Ney’s contract with immediate effect as the Brazilian will now travel for medical and sign in as new Santos player. Back to Santos, back to Vila Belmiro.”

Neymar played just seven times for Al-Hilal (Credit:Getty)

Neymar is still just 32, which in context doesn’t sound old when you consider the likes of Mohamed Salah - also 32 – and Robert Lewandowski, 36, are still performing at an elite level.

But, the Brazilian has been unlucky with injuries throughout his career, with a supposed move to Santos indicating that his career could be nearing an end - at the top level at least.

Although Neymar’s playing in the Premier League looks highly unlikely now, back in 2017 he named the four Premier League sides he most admired.

“I like the playing style and the teams [in the Premier League],” he told The Sun. “And who knows, someday, I would like to play at it, yes.

“I admire Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool — these are the teams that are always there fighting.”