Al-Hilal mulls major overhaul of Neymar’s contract after injury

Al-Hilal is considering a major adjustment to Neymar Jr’s contract following his serious injury with Brazil.

The Brazilian superstar signed a two-year deal with the Saudi team for around $160 million each season. He moved there from Paris Saint-Germain in August for $95 million. Neymar was playing for Brazil last month when he and his country lost to Uruguay 2-0. He was seriously injured in the knee.

Tests later confirmed that Neymar had torn the ACL and meniscus in his left knee. Preliminary estimates place the 31-year-old’s full recovery at between six and ten months. It appears the former Barcelona star will be out for the rest of the season with this injury.

With the rest of the season canceled, the Brazilian now faces a frantic recovery process. He is fighting to play in the Copa America in the United States next summer. The veteran winger concludes his maiden Saudi Arabian league campaign by appearing in three matches and registering two assists.

The Saudi club could temporarily deregister Neymar

Arriyadiyaha Saudi news site, reports that Al-Hilal plans to temporarily suspend his registration due to his injury. In accordance with Saudi Pro League regulations, teams are allowed to contain a maximum of eight non-Saudi players in their squads.

Currently, the Saudi giants have seven foreign players and there are plans to delist Neymar in order to create room for an additional foreign player. This is a common topic of discussion within the team hierarchy.

The move is in line with manager Jorge Jesus’ long-term plans to improve the depth and quality of the squad by notably adding a foreign left defender.

Besides the former PSG ace, Yassine Bounou, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Brazilian duo Malcolm and Michael are now part of Al-Hilal’s international player list.

Without having to worry about Neymar’s injuries, the Blue Waves could look for new players during the next January transfer window. The team’s dedication to fielding a balanced and formidable lineup is further highlighted.

When will Neymar return with Al-Hilal?

Despite the challenges caused by Neymar’s injury, Al-Hilal continues to dominate the Saudi Pro League. The club’s desire to maintain its first place in the standings will be on full display when its season resumes against Al-Taawon, currently in fourth place.

Neymar is expected to be fully fit for the 2024-25 season, and his return to the team will be welcomed with enthusiasm, the report adds.

Recent events have prompted Brazil the head coach Fernando Diniz to stand up for the winger and commit to getting the best out of his superstar striker.

“No coach in the world would abandon Neymar with the hunger and desire he has. Once again (against Venezuela) he was decisive, he delivered an assist. I have already said that Neymar is the “one of the greatest players in the history of Brazilian football and world football,” he told the media last month.

“One thing worth mentioning is Neymar’s numbers, he is first in almost every important aspect for a striker. First in goals, assists, goal assists, dribbling, first in scoring on the specialist site …the numbers explain why he’s here.

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