Topics: Neymar, Transfer News, Santos, Football, Transfers, MLS, Saudi Pro League, Brazil
The first club to submit a formal proposal to Al Hilal for the transfer of Neymar has been revealed, as the race to sign the Brazilian heats up.
Earlier this month it was revealed that Brazilian legend Neymar could be set for a move away from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal during the January transfer window.
Several clubs from across the world have reportedly shown interest in signing the forward, as Al Hilal have made it clear that they are ready to part ways with Neymar once they can negotiate a suitable deal.
And now, one club has reportedly stepped forward to become the first to submit an official transfer proposal, and it's shocked football fans.
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According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Neymar is close to returning to his former club Santos as the as the Brazilian club has now submitted a formal proposal to Al-Hilal.
The proposed deal would see the winger rejoin his old team on loan, but Santos are still waiting for the official green light from the Saudi Arabian side before the deal can be finalised.
If a deal with Santos cannot be agreed, then Romano also revealed that Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire are interested in signing Neymar, but remain far behind the Brazilian club in the race to secure Neymar's signature.
Before he joined Barcelona in £74million pound deal in July 2013, Neymar made 225 appearances for boyhood club Santos, scoring 136 goals and assisting 64.
During his time with the Brazilian club, the forward won several trophies including the Copa Libertadores.
Comparatively, at current club Al Hilal, the 32-year-old has made just seven appearances and scored one goal since joining in August 2023.
For this reason, the Saudi Arabian club decided that they would not register Neymar for the current Saudi Pro League season, almost certainly confirming their intention to sell him this month.
"Ney will not be registered, but he can participate in the Asian Champions League," said Al Hilal manager Jorge Jesus in an honest admission about Neymar's situation.
“He’s world class. But the truth is, physically, Neymar can no longer perform at the level we are used to”
"Things have become difficult for him, unfortunately," Jesus added when asked about Neymar's future in a press conference.
"The only thing I know is that Neymar is not registered [in the Saudi Pro league]. Until Jan. 31 the [transfer] window is open. So I'm not going to speculate on things I don't know."
