(foto: Getty Images)
Neymar’s future at Santos looks uncertain after the Brazilian club reportedly informed the player’s father and agent that they are reluctant to offer a new contract, opening the door to a potential reunion with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.
According to Globo, Neymar Sr contacted Santos to discuss a possible six-month contract extension, as the 33-year-old forward’s deal expires on December 31. However, the club has shown little interest in keeping him beyond that date, with both sides seemingly ready to part ways.
Neymar’s return to his boyhood club earlier this year was meant to reignite his career after an injury-plagued spell with Al-Hilal, but it has instead been marred by recurring fitness problems. Since rejoining Santos in January, he has missed multiple matches due to a persistent hamstring injury — his latest setback occurring on September 19. The Brazilian is yet to return to full training, and his comeback date remains uncertain, though he could feature against Fortaleza on November 3.
His international prospects have also faded. Since Carlo Ancelotti took charge of the Brazil national team in June, Neymar has not received a single call-up. The Italian coach recently said: “Neymar can play at his highest level in this team without any problems. When he is in good physical condition, he has the quality to play in any team in the world because of his talent.”
Neymar’s decline began during his final seasons at Paris Saint-Germain, where frequent injuries derailed his momentum. His record-breaking move to Al-Hilal in 2023 was expected to be a fresh start, but he suffered a cruciate ligament tear just months later, keeping him sidelined for nearly a year. Since then, his attempts to regain form have been repeatedly halted by fitness issues.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that a sensational move to Inter Miami could be on the horizon. The MLS side, home to Neymar’s former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, are said to be exploring ways to bring him in as a Designated Player. The potential retirements of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba could free up the financial space needed to complete the deal.
For now, Neymar remains under contract with Santos until the end of the year, but the writing appears to be on the wall. As his physical struggles continue and Brazil move on without him, his next move may define the closing chapter of one of football’s most dazzling — yet frustrating — careers.