"His continuation is a drain on Al-Hilal financially" - Sports critic urges SPL club to part ways with Neymar Jr
Saudi sports critic Walid Al-Faraj has advised Al-Hial to part ways with striker Neymar, who was back on the sidelines after recently returning from a year-long injury layoff.
Having torn his ACL while on Brazil duty late last year, the 32-year-old spent a year out of action before returning for a 13-minute cameo in Al-Hilal's 5-4 AFC Champions League Elite win at Al-Ain last month.
In his very next outing - against Esteghlal at home in the continental competition this month - Neymar lasted 29 minutes before sustaining what looked like a muscle injury, and it's uncertain when the Brazilian would be back in action next.
Having arrived from Paris Saint-Germain last summer on a reported €90 million deal, Neymar has missed 60 games for club and country, including 53 since tearing his ACL. Considering the player's chequered injury record, Al-Faraj advised Al-Hilal to terminate his contract to avoid a financial drain (as per GOAL):
"The number of days he (Neymar) has been absent is more than the number of days he has played. He is a damaged player and also neglected, and this is very clear.
"He is very talented, but his body is prone to injuries. His continuation is a drain on Al-Hilal financially and technically, and the club must get rid of him even if it costs them paying the full value of the penalty clause."
The Brazilian was also beset by injuries during his six-season spell at PSG between 2017 and 2023.
What's next for Neymar?
Since arriving from PSG last summer, Neymar has appeared just seven times across competitions, scoring once and assisting thrice. That lone goal has come in four outings in the AFC Champions League, while the three assists have come in the Saudi Pro League.
However, following his latest injury setback, Neymar might have played his last for the club. Al-Hilal didn't register the player for the first half of the Saudi Pro League season and are unlikely to do so for the second half. So, his next outing could be the AFC Champions League game with Al-Sadd on November 26, provided he gets fit.
As per the aforementioned report, the Saudi Pro League leaders might look to terminate Neymar's contract, which runs till 2025. As per GOAL, he has been linked with a move to MLS side Inter Miami, where he could reunite with his former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez.