Neymar’s Future Uncertain Amid Santos Struggles and Potential Moves

Santos finds itself in a precarious relegation battle and has reportedly communicated to Neymar’s father and agent that a contract extension is now in question. With his current deal set to expire on December 31, the once-celebrated star of Brazilian football is approaching free agency, prompting a significant decision regarding his future. His return to the club last year was celebrated as a fairytale homecoming; however, ongoing injury issues have cast a shadow over that narrative.

The club’s management seems poised to move on, apprehensive about committing substantial wages to a player whose fitness remains uncertain. Reports from Brazil indicate that Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, is exploring the possibility of bringing the Brazilian superstar to Florida. With the expected retirements of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, Miami’s Designated Player slots will soon become available, potentially allowing another Barcelona icon to join Messi in the sunny locale.

For Neymar, the prospect of joining Miami carries significant emotional weight. He has openly expressed his admiration for Messi and Luis Suarez, with whom he formed the formidable ‘MSN’ trio at Barcelona. When asked by CNN Sport if he would like to reunite with his former teammates, Neymar responded enthusiastically, stating, “Obviously, playing again with Messi and Suarez would be incredible. They are my friends. We still speak to each other. It would be interesting to revive this trio.”

However, Major League Soccer isn’t the only option on the table for Neymar. Back in Brazil, Fluminense is reportedly strategizing a move of its own, eyeing Neymar as their marquee target for 2026. This ambitious transfer would reunite him with Thiago Silva, as disclosed by journalist Rodrigo Dias from the channel Ligados no Flu. The move is already under discussion internally, although its success will largely depend on the outcome of the club’s forthcoming presidential elections.

Adding further intrigue, Fluminense’s head of physiotherapy, Nilton Petrone, affectionately known as ‘File’, openly discussed the prospect of Neymar joining the club. He stated, “Neymar is the last genius we have produced in Brazilian football. It’s undeniable. What we need to know is how much Neymar wants, and what Fluminense proposes, he will propose, right. Thiago (Silva) is very close to Neymar; he has probably been talking to him, not just today; there was already that first moment at the (Club) World Cup.”

Petrone emphasized that Fluminense would only pursue Neymar if he demonstrated a genuine commitment. “Neymar has to want it. That’s the first thing,” he insisted. “Then, he has to adhere to the procedural protocols that Fluminense has today. Fluminense is not a ‘la vonte’ club. It has processes in place, and there is integration between the teams. Fluminense exemplifies a multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinary approach. Ultimately, it depends on him.”

Since Carlo Ancelotti took charge of the Brazilian national team earlier this year, Neymar has notably been absent from the coach’s plans. The former Real Madrid manager remains firm that Neymar must prove his fitness to earn a call-up. During a recent press conference, Ancelotti remarked, “I haven’t spoken to Neymar yet; we’ll see what happens when he recovers and is able to play again. I might consider a player who lacks fitness for the first match or two of the World Cup, but it is impossible to include someone who is not physically prepared for the entire tournament. We need players who are at their best.”

With time running out, Neymar’s current contract with Santos ends on December 31. Presently, the club sits 17th in Serie A, just two points above the relegation zone. They are winless in their last five matches and desperately need a spark before their upcoming match against Palmeiras. Neymar was given just 36 minutes during their defeat to Flamengo, and it remains unclear if he will have the opportunity to impress prospective suitors.