Santos president offers update on Neymar’s future amid talk of summer transfer to Barcelona or Bayern Munich

Santos president Marcelo Teixeira has offered an update on Neymar’s future amid talk of interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

WHAT HAPPENED?

After seeing his contract at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal terminated – on the back of much-publicised injury issues – Neymar took the decision to return to his roots on a short-term contract. He is back in Brazil to work on his form and fitness.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

The 33-year-old forward has been among the goals, while continuing to carefully manage his schedule, and intends to grace the World Cup finals in 2026. It remains to be seen where he will be playing his club football by the time that tournament rolls around.

DID YOU KNOW?

There has been talk of the former Paris Saint-Germain star – who moved to France in a record-breaking €222 million (£186m/$242m) transfer during the summer of 2017 – heading back to Europe for a second spell at Barca or a stint alongside Harry Kane and Co in Munich.

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WHAT SANTOS PRESIDENT SAID

Santos, though, remain hopeful that an extension to Neymar’s six-month deal can be agreed, with Teixeira telling Marca: “The hardest part is already done, which was having him here. We’ll see the club’s technical response and results; we’re working on sponsorships… he’s already shown he’s not worried about the financial aspect. The entire technical committee supported him in his matches; everyone supports Santos, and the entire country does. And that will influence the possibility of him staying here in the near future. The national team has called him back.”

TELL ME MORE

Teixeira went on to say of Neymar’s attitude since returning to where it all began for him: “He’s very committed to the project and the players, who see him as a role model. The rest of the team trust him. He’s committed to the project and the group of players.”

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WHAT NEXT FOR NEYMAR?

There have been mixed messages when it comes to supposed interest from Barcelona, with the Catalan giants yet to show their hand, while Bundesliga table-toppers Bayern already have a number of attacking options on their books – including Kane, Jamal Musiala, Michael Olise, Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry.