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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Neymar has Al-Hilal contract cancelled</li><li>Heading back to Brazil with Santos</li><li>Club chief wants to see superstar happy again</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'Welcome, our boy Ney!' - Santos president confirms imminent Neymar transfer as he urges Brazil star to 'come back and be happy again' after disastrous Al-Hilal spell

Saudi Pro League

Al Hilal

Al Kholood

<p>Neymar has <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/neymar-sends-emotional-farewell-message-al-hilal-fans-ahead-return-santos/blt5cfb12ed5edded88#cs516a986a773718e8" target="_blank">already said his goodbyes to the Saudi Pro League club</a> as he heads home after an injury-plagued spell in the Middle East. The 32-year-old's contract has been cancelled by mutual consent, leaving Neymar free to complete a January move to Santos after managing just seven appearances for Al-Hilal since <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/al-hilal-confirm-90m-signing-neymar-psg/blt587c20f8af583167" target="_blank">joining the club in a €90 million (£77.2m/$98.3m)&nbsp;deal</a> from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2023.</p><p></p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Neymar has reportedly <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/neymar-huge-sacrifice-brazilian-superstar-agrees-massive-pay-seal-santos-return-al-hilal/bltdb77b52e1a76abf0" target="_blank">agreed a huge pay cut</a> in order to secure his <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/santos-tease-neymar-transfer-brazil-star-al-hilal-exit-richarlison-sends-hilarious-message/blt011c4850d6064954#cs05fc4ebf9f9a0be9" target="_blank">return to Santos as he heads back to the club</a> where he first made his name, and won six titles, before heading to Europe with Barcelona. Club president Marcelo Teixeira has welcomed the Brazilian superstar back and wants to see him happy again after a tough time in the Saudi Pro League.</p><p></p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Teixeira confirmed Neymar's imminent return in an emotional post on social media: "It is the time (to come back), Neymar. It is time for you to come back to your people. To our home, to the club in our hearts. Welcome, our boy Ney! A boy of Vila (Belmiro, Santos' stadium). Come back to be happy again with the white and black shirt. The Santos nation awaits you with open arms."</p><p></p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFYDHzfRggw/?hl=en" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

<p>Neymar will be hoping he can put his injury problems behind him back at Santos and enjoy playing regularly again. The forward has already admitted he's going to do everything he can to make the Brazil squad for World Cup 2026 as <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/neymar-brazil-squad-2026-world-cup-injury-nightmare-al-hilal/blt08b056489b7c5efd" target="_blank">he eyes one "last shot" at glory with the national team</a>.</p><p></p>

WHAT NEXT FOR NEYMAR

'Welcome, our boy Ney!' - Santos president confirms imminent Neymar transfer as he urges Brazil star to 'come back and be happy again' after disastrous Al-Hilal spell | Goal.com

Santos president Marcelo Teixeira has welcomed Neymar back to his boyhood club as the Brazilian returns home after a dismal spell with Al-Hilal.

&apos;Welcome, our boy Ney!&apos; - Santos president confirms imminent Neymar transfer as he urges Brazil star to &apos;come back and be happy again&apos; after disastrous Al-Hilal spell

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