Neymar (foto: Getty Images)
Santos want Neymar to stay through the 2026 World Cup project, but club chief Marcelo Teixeira warns the renewal must fit financial limits. Inter Miami are monitoring the situation.
Neymar’s future at Santos remains uncertain as contract negotiations continue and interest from Inter Miami intensifies. The 33-year-old recently returned from injury in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Fortaleza and is entering the final weeks of his current deal, which expires in December.
Club president Marcelo Teixeira has reiterated his desire to keep Neymar at the club until the 2026 World Cup, outlining a long-term project built around the Brazilian star. However, he made it clear that Santos must operate within financial limits.
“The Neymar project isn’t for six months or a year. It’s for the 2026 World Cup,” Teixeira said. “Santos has a limit. If we find common ground, his continuity will be confirmed. We will resolve this situation at the right time.”
Neymar is one of the highest-paid players in the league, and while Teixeira insisted the forward is “not worried about the finances”, the club must carefully evaluate whether they can sustain his salary in the long term.
The uncertainty has sparked renewed talk of a move to Inter Miami, where Neymar could reunite with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. The MLS club is believed to be closely monitoring developments, prepared to step in should negotiations fall apart.
Teixeira also confirmed that head coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda will remain in charge regardless of the club’s results this season. Santos sit 16th in the table, just two points above the relegation zone, and dropping to Série B would almost certainly end Neymar’s stay.
Neymar has struggled with repeated injuries since returning to Brazil from Al-Hilal, and has not been called up by Carlo Ancelotti for the upcoming international break as he works to regain full match fitness. The forward remains determined to lead Brazil at the next World Cup, but must prove he can stay healthy and perform consistently.
Santos now face a critical run, starting with a difficult away match against league leaders Palmeiras on Friday. The margins are tight: only five points separate Santos from the Sudamericana qualification places, and just two points from relegation danger.