Neymar picks next club amid interest from Lionel Messi's Inter Miami - Reports
According to reports from Brazilian media outlet UOL, superstar forward Neymar is leaning towards a move to his homeland over a potential reunion with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami. The 32-year-old is likely to end his injury-plagued tenure at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
The former Barcelona ace joined Al-Hilal as a marquee signing from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for a reported €90 million fee in August 2023. However, after just five games at his new club, he suffered a cruciate ligament tear which kept him out of action for the entire campaign.
He recently returned to action, making a couple of appearances off the bench in the AFC Champions League Elite. However, in the second game, he suffered a hamstring injury, which could keep him out of action until December.
Due to his recurring injury issues, Al-Hilal are considering parting ways with Neymar as early as the January transfer window. The teams interested in his services are rumored to be his boyhood club Santos and Messi's Inter Miami, who are on a roll in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Recent reports revealed that the Brazilian bought a property worth $26 million in Florida, adding fuel to the rumors. However, according to UOL, Santos are working hard to bring their graduate back to the club and have emerged as the frontrunners for his signature.
Inter Miami also need to buy out one of their three Designated Player contracts to facilitate a transfer for Neymar. At the moment, Messi, defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets, and Ecuadoran attacker Leonardo Campana are on the list, making the transfer an even trickier proposition for the Herons.
"It would be a pleasure" - Brazilian superstar Neymar jokes about next club amid links with Lionel Messi's Inter Miami
Brazilian icon Neymar joked about his next move amid rumors linking him with boyhood side Santos and ex-Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi's Inter Miami.
The 32-year-old made his return from a year-long cruciate ligament injury in October. However, in his second game back, he was taken off with a hamstring problem, which is set to keep him sidelined until December.
Part of the treatment for the injury will be carried out in Brazil, where Neymar flew in a few days ago. He landed at Ceara and was greeted at the airport by security officials who supported the local club, Fortaleza.
They asked Brazil's record international goalscorer if he would join their beloved side. He burst into laughter and light-heartedly replied:
"It would be a pleasure."
The clip of the conversation has gone viral, with Fortaleza making a "Welcome, Neymar" post on their social media accounts. However, the attacker's boyhood club Santos remains in pole position in the race to land his signature.