'It would be a pleasure' - Neymar jokes about next move after injured Al-Hilal star returns to Brazil for treatment amid uncertain future

Posted Friday, November 08, 2024 by Goal.com

Neymar has joked about his next move after returning to Brazil, with the injured Al-Hilal star saying it would be "a pleasure" to join Fortaleza.

Forward is nursing another knock
Contract expires in summer of 2025
Questions being asked of his future

WHAT HAPPENED?

The 32-year-old forward is back in his homeland after suffering another fitness setback. Neymar is nursing a thigh complaint that is set to keep him out of action for several weeks – having only recently returned to action after 12 months on the sidelines with knee ligament damage.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Part of the treatment for his latest knock will be carried out in Brazil, with Neymar flying into Ceara before linking up with medical professionals. He was greeted at the airport by security staff that support the local Fortaleza club.

WHAT NEYMAR SAID

When asked if he would sign for the Serie A outfit, ex-Santos star Neymar replied with a smile: "It would be a pleasure." A video of that exchange has gone viral on social media, leading Fortaleza to post a "Welcome, Neymar" message on their official accounts.

WHAT NEXT?

Neymar is not expected to return to action until 2025, with his contract at Al-Hilal due to expire next summer. There has been plenty of speculation regarding his future, with it suggested that he could head to MLS in order to reform Barcelona’s fabled ‘MSN’ strike force with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami.