Featured Image Credit: Getty Images - Santos
Topics: Neymar, Saudi Pro League, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Santos
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Neymar, Saudi Pro League, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Santos
Neymar will take a significant wage cut to join boyhood club Santos, according to reports.
The 32-year-old's reported £1.6 million per-week contract at Al Hilal has been terminated by mutual consent amid reports of a return to Brazil.
After joining the Saudi Pro League side for £77.6 million in the summer of 2023, the former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona forward made just seven appearances following a number of injuries.
Advert
In fact, after rupturing his ACL just five games into his debut, Neymar managed only 42 minutes of action across 2024, with November's much-anticipated comeback being cut short by a torn hamstring.
"Al Hilal and Neymar Jr. have agreed to terminate the player’s contract by mutual consent," said Al Hilal in a statement on Tuesday. "Thank you and good luck, Neymar."
Now, it appears the Brazilian is heading back to where it all began after Fabrizio Romano confirmed he would travel for a medical at the Vila Belmiro.
It appears Neymar's six-month deal with Santos will include a base salary of approximately £135,507 (R$1 million) per month, according to the Daily Mail – which works out at around £32,500 per week.
It is a sum that mirrors the arrangement from his previous spell at Santos between 2010 and 2013.
Advert
But on this occasion, the deal will be 'complemented' by up to 90 per cent of his image rights, which will significantly boost his overall income at the Brazilian club.
In fact, they believe Neymar's earnings could now reach up to £819,433 (R$6 million) per month as a result.
Still, the sum pales in comparison to what Neymar is said to have earned at Al Hilal. Last year, the Brazil international was paid around €101 million [£84.6m] for his contribution, according to French outlet Foot Mercato, as per Fabrizio Romano.
Advert
And if you break those numbers down based on the 42 minutes he played for Al Hilal, then Neymar earned €50.5 million per appearance.
Neymar, of course, made his name at Santos during a decade-long spell. He made 225 first-team appearances in that time, notching 136 goals and 64 assists.