Al-Hilal have no plans to terminate winger Neymar's contract, according to insider Fabrizio Romano on his social media. The Saudi club have decided to exclude the 31-year-old Brazilian from their squad to make room for new signing Renan Lodi, a defender. The move comes in light of Neymar's recent injury, which he suffered while playing in October 2023, where he tore his ACL and meniscus, subsequently undergoing surgery. Due to the injury, he is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Neymar joined Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2023 for a reported €90 million, making headlines as one of the biggest moves of the summer. His contract with the club runs until the summer of 2025, indicating Al-Hilal's long-term commitment to the player despite the current circumstances. Transfermarkt currently values Neymar at €45 million, reflecting a significant drop in market value due to his injury.
In the five games he has played this season, Neymar has managed to score one goal and provide three assists, showcasing his impact on the team before his unfortunate injury. His contributions have been notable in helping Al-Hilal establish themselves as a competitive team in the Saudi Pro League.
The decision to leave Neymar off the roster rather than terminate his contract suggests that the club is still optimistic about his future contributions once he recovers. This approach reflects a strategic mindset, as the club appears to prioritise Neymar's potential return to fitness over immediate squad flexibility. While fans may be disappointed not to see him on the pitch for now, there is hope that he will regain fitness and return as a key player in the future.
Maintaining strong squad depth is crucial for Al-Hilal, especially as they aim to compete both domestically and in international competitions. Integrating new players like Lodi while retaining established stars like Neymar could be key to their ambitions.
As Neymar focuses on rehabilitation, the support of the club and fans will be essential to his recovery journey. Athletes often face immense pressure during such times, and having a strong support system can make a significant difference to their mental and physical wellbeing.
In summary, while Neymar’s exclusion from the current roster may be a necessary step for Al-Hilal, the club’s decision not to terminate his contract reflects confidence in his abilities and a commitment to his future with the team. As the season progresses, Neymar and Al-Hilal will be eager to see what lies ahead, with hopes of a strong return and continued success on the pitch.
