Things have not gone at all to plan for former PSG and Barcelona star Neymar since he left the French giants in 2023. The Brazilian joined Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, penning a deal reported to be worth over £130 million a year.
With the winger having missed most of last season after injuring his ACL while on international duty, many fans had expected him to kick on this season, but it has not worked out that way. Now, a return to his former club has emerged as a potential January option.
Neymar has been limited to just two appearances this term, picking up a further injury just minutes into his second game back. With Saudi Arabia having been filled with bad luck for the skilful wideman, there is now a great deal of speculation around him moving elsewhere in January.
Former club Barcelona have emerged at 16/1 to take Neymar back to Spain, but the bookies' most likely option appears to be that he remains at Al Hilal.
Neymar next club odds
The table below shows each of the possible destinations for Neymar in the January transfer window, with a wide range of different nations appearing as potential suitors for the Brazilian.
| Team | Best odds |
|---|---|
| Stay at Al Hilal |
2/5 |
| Any Brazilian team |
3/1 |
| Any MLS team |
8/1 |
| Barcelona |
16/1 |
| Chelsea |
33/1 |
| Man Utd |
33/1 |
| Man City |
33/1 |
| Inter Milan |
40/1 |
| Arsenal |
40/1 |
| AC Milan |
50/1 |
Current favourites
Stay at Al Hilal – 2/5
Despite his miserable experience in Saudi Arabia, Neymar's contract runs until the summer, with a reported weekly wage of £2.65 million, it would be hard for the winger to walk away before his contract has expired.
At 32 years old, it may also be tricky for Neymar to secure a move to a top club, especially considering his recent injury history. Bookies see the Brazilian staying in Saudi Arabia at least until the summer and have the option priced at a comfortable 2/5.
Any Brazilian team – 3/1
A move back to his homeland has become an apparent option for Neymar in January. Originally having made a name for himself at Santos, returning to Brazil could become one of the most legendary homecoming tales in recent football history.
However, it is undeniable that no Brazilian club would be able to offer competitive wages compared to what Neymar currently earns in the Middle East. In spite of this, crazier things have happened in football, so bookies are reluctant to discount a move home, pricing the move at a fair 3/1.
Any MLS team – 8/1
Reuniting the famous Barcelona trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar, Inter Miami have become touted as the reason he may switch to the MLS. Inter Miami lost in the play-offs to Atlanta, despite having won the league, so owner David Beckham may see the introduction of Neymar as a way to go one better next season.
However, at 8/1 a move to North America seems an unlikely chances, no matter how heroic it would be to reconnect one of Barcelona's most famous frontlines.
Barcelona – 16/1
At 16/1, returning to his beloved Blaugrana seems almost out of the question, but it is impossible to tell with Neymar. The winger spent four seasons with Barcelona, making 186 appearances and scoring 105 goals.
He broke supporters' hearts by switching to the French capital, but Barcelona will always be remembered fondly as the place where the Brazilian cemented himself on European soil. However, with fellow countryman Raphinha excelling himself under manager Hansi Flick, a return to his former haven seems to be a very outside chance.
Lifelong Ipswich Town supporter who recently graduated from Durham University in French and German. Have developed a passion for European football based on my links abroad and am an avid supporter of Werder Bremen and Auxerre. Joined the MFT team in October 2024 and looking to take my first steps into the world of football journalism.
