The ex-PSG star has a huge decision to make on his future, with Al-Hilal set to let the injury-ravaged forward leave the club this summer
“I know this will be my last World Cup, my last shot, my last chance and I will do everything I can to play in it,” Neymar said in an interview with CNNearlier this month. Brazil have certainly missed the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star in their latest CONMEBOL qualifying campaign, slipping to fifth in the standings, seven points behind arch-rivals Argentina.
Neymar played in Brazil’s first four games, recording five goal contributions, but tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee during a shock 2-0 defeat against Uruguay on October 17, 2023, and was stretchered off the pitch in floods of tears. He hasn’t featured in the iconic yellow for his country since.
Al-Hilal finally welcomed Neymar back to the pitch in October last year, but his return lasted for just 42 minutes across two games, as he was left with a tear in his hamstring after overstretching for the ball. Neymar is now nearing the end of his recovery from that particular blow, but according to The Athletic, there is practically zero chance that he will be offered a contract extension by the Saudi Pro League champions, who have seen no return on their initial €90 million (£77m/$98m) investment in the Brazilian over the last two seasons.
Neymar will leave the Middle East when his contract expires this summer, and despite his persistent physical struggles, there is no shortage of potential suitors lining up for his signature. The question is: where is the best place for Neymar to rebuild his fitness and confidence in order to force his way back into the Brazil squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup? GOAL runs through the six transfer options available to the 32-year-old below…
Inter Miami
“Playing again with [Lionel] Messi and [Luis] Suarez would be incredible,” Neymar told CNN when quizzed on the possibility of a move to Inter Miami. “They are my friends. We still speak to each other. It would be interesting to revive this trio.”
Neymar, Messi and Suarez famously formed the deadly ‘MSN’ triumvirate at Barcelona between 2014 and 2017, delivering 253 goals and seven trophies while wowing audiences across Europe. And Neymar is right, it would be “incredible” to see them reunite in Florida; he would complete Miami’s contingent of ex-Barcelona superstars, which also includes Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and new head coach Javier Mascherano, and perhaps be the final piece in the puzzle towards the club’s ultimate goal of MLS Cup glory.
The potential move was described as “impossible” by Mascherano last week due to MLS salary cap rules, but the league has since announced a new mechanism that clubs can use to raise extra money through domestic transfers, which means Miami could get some big wage packets off their books to pursue new targets.
This doesn’t feel like a farfetched deal anymore. Indeed, Miami’s managing owner Jorge Mas said to GiveMeSport last month: “We are aspirational. If there is ever a chance to bring the calibre of a player like Neymar, we will not hesitate.” The chance is there now, and maybe a reunion with old friends is exactly what Neymar needs to get back to his best.
Chicago Fire
MLS does indeed look like the most realistic option for Neymar at the moment, but Miami might not be his final landing spot. According to ESPN, three other U.S. clubs have already opened preliminary transfer talks with the Brazil international, including the Chicago Fire.
Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna was first to report the Fire’s interest, adding that Neymar has been offered a two-year contract at Soldier Field. That would guarantee his future at club level through to the end of the 2026, and if a preferred move to Miami never materialises, heading to Chicago could be the next best thing.
Neymar could build some invaluable soccer experience in the U.S. ahead of the next World Cup, which is primarily being staged in North America, while working under the tutelage of former USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter. The Fire have only appeared in the MLS playoffs once since 2012, but expectations are growing with Berhalter now at the helm, and signing Brazil’s all-time top goal-scorer would be a major statement of intent.
Santos
Next up: the most romantic destination. Neymar initially established himself as one of the most exciting talents in the game at Santos, making his pro debut for the Brazilian club at just 17 years old. He quickly became a hero at Santos, most notably inspiring their run to Copa Libertadores glory in 2011, with some even going so far as to label him Pele’s heir – and Barcelona eventually bought into his immense potential.
The second coming of Neymar would be monumental for Santos, who are still recovering from the blow of suffering relegation for the first time in their 112-year history in 2023. Club president Marcelo Teixeira has said they are ready to offer Neymar a “concrete project”, while executive director Marcio Calves has expressed his belief that there is a “60 percent chance” the beloved academy graduate will retrace his steps this summer.
Neymar last visited the club as a fan in April 2023, and vowed: “One day I’ll be back.” That day appears to be edging closer, with Santos now in a better position to match his wage demands as a result of the financial boost that came with their immediate promotion back into Brazil’s top flight last season.
Flamengo
Santos are not the only club in Brazil that Neymar could join, though. Back in 2016, after a charity game organised by Brazil icon Zico, Neymar said: “It would be a great honour for me to play for Flamengo, at the Maracana. It’s a club I’d love to play for.”
Neymar even posed for a photo on social media wearing a Flamengo jersey last summer, and it has been reported that he could be bought in to replace Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa, who left the club in December before signing for Cruzeiro. Flamengo have more financial power than Santos right now, and they are serious contenders for all the biggest trophies on offer in South America.
Former club president Rodolfo Landim has also leaned into the speculation, telling ESPN back in July: “It doesn’t hurt to dream, right? I think Neymar is a completely extraordinary player, the best in the world.” This one could have some legs, though it remains to be seen if Neymar would pick Flamengo over Santos if both clubs launched formal bids.
Arsenal?!
We know what you’re thinking: Neymar to Arsenal is a completely ludicrous notion. Why would the Gunners ever break their wage structure to sign a man who turns 33 in February and hasn’t been able to stay fit for more than a few successive games in the past five years?
It would certainly be a massive risk, but former Arsenal ‘Invincible’ Gilberto Silva believes it could pay off tenfold. “I’d love to see Neymar in the Premier League with Arsenal, it would be interesting that’s for sure,” the Brazilian World Cup winner said in an interview courtesy of Bet365’s Copa Americacoverage. “It would bring a lot of joy to fans and make the competition even more special. Let’s see. It’s not impossible that he could join Arsenal, why not?”
Boxing promoter Frank Warren then did his best to fuel that talk when meeting Neymar ringside for the light heavyweight unification bout between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol in Riyadh in October, saying: “This is the man. He’s coming to England. He’s going to come and play for Arsenal.” Neymar looked more than a little bit perplexed, and laughed awkwardly, but stranger things have happened.
Arsenal are most definitely in need of more firepower upfront, and if they fail to land their main targets, Neymar might well come into their thoughts as a free transfer option who would generate a huge buzz at the Emirates Stadium.
The winger scored his first ever hat-trick to make amends for another terrible collective display from Ruben Amorim’s side
Where would Manchester United be without Amad Diallo? In the relegation zone, quite possibly.
The Red Devils were on their way to their most humiliating defeat yet as they trailed 1-0 at home to Premier League basement club Southampton after a Manuel Ugarte own goal in the first half. But Amad took matters into his own hands, equalising in the 82nd minute and completing a hat-trick within the final 10 minutes to give United a 3-1 win they barely deserved but which they badly needed, taking them 10 points clear of the drop zone.
Southampton turned up at Old Trafford bottom of the table with six points and having just taken two points from all their away games this season, the lowest amount of any team in the four top divisions in English football. The Saints also had the lowest points total after 20 games in Premier League history and in their last league outing they had been humiliated 5-0 by Brentford. But it did not take long for Ivan Juric’s side to start playing as if they were Real Madrid
Kamaldeen Sulemana bullied Leny Yoro while Tyler Dibling was also too hot to handle for a United side which looked nothing like the team that had held Liverpool to draw at Anfield and knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup. The Saints scored from a corner, their first such goal all season but the latest demonstration that United cannot cope when defending from set pieces.
Amorim took swift action from the bench, hooking Kobbie Mainoo at half-time and Rasmus Hojlund and Manuel Ugarte early in the second half. But Antony, who had replaced Mainoo, made things even more embarrassing for the hosts by missing an absolute sitter. United fans were tearing their hair out, as was Amorim, but Amad kept believing and equalised almost on his own, cutting through down the right wing and then lashing inside the near post.
He struck what looked to be the winner in the 90th minute before making sure with another goal in added time to complete his first ever hat-trick.
Goalkeeper & Defence
Andre Onana (6/10):
Made an outstanding double save to thwart Dibling and Fernandes but needed a stronger arm to prevent the goal.
Leny Yoro (3/10):
Got repeatedly destroyed by Kamaldeen Sulemana as United really suffered without the security Harry Maguire gives them.
Matthijs de Ligt (5/10):
The best of a bad bunch in defence, making several important blocks.
Lisandro Martinez (4/10):
Struggled against Dibbling and was targeted from the corner leading to the goal due to his height, being out-jumped by Dibling. Forced into a couple of tactical fouls, getting booked for taking out Ugochukwu.
Midfield
Noussair Mazraoui (5/10):
Had some joy down his flank in United’s best spell of the first half but couldn’t keep it up.
Kobbie Mainoo (4/10):
Had one promising foray into the area only to bungle the pass. Otherwise he couldn’t get a grip on the game. Hauled off at half-time.
Manuel Ugarte (4/10):
Cumbersome in possession and powerless to stop Southampton’s quick advances. Taken off, looking furious, in the 53rd minute.
Amad Diallo (10/10):
The one player who kept believing, almost single-handedly turning a wreckage into a masterpiece.
Attack
Alejandro Garnacho (5/10):
Got off to a bad start when he missed a glaring chance but at least he kept going and kept playing with positivity.
Rasmus Hojlund (4/10):
Put chance on a plate for Garnacho but that was his only positive contribution and he could not argue with being substituted early, even tough he did.
Bruno Fernandes (6/10):
Looked like he and Amad were carrying the team for large parts of the game.
Subs & Manager
Antony (3/10):
Created a chance within moments of coming on but gets a dire rating for his dire miss.
Joshua Zirkzee (7/10):
Gave United an outlet and his passing created lots of attacking moves.
Toby Collyer (7/10):.
His energy made a big difference.
Christian Eriksen (N/A):
Threaded through the pass for the winner.
Harry Maguire (N/A):
A late addition and the performance showed he has to start all the time.
Ruben Amorim (7/10):
His proactive and ruthless substitutions saved the game.
The Magpies are absolutely flying, and if their prolific No.14 can keep up his scintillating form then major silverware is a realistic goal
Just over a month ago, Newcastle looked in real danger of being dragged into a relegation battle, and serious questions were being asked over Eddie Howe’s position in the dugout. After a chastening 4-2 loss at Brentford on December 7, the Magpies dropped to 12th in the table, having only won two of their previous 11 Premier League games.
Howe apologised to the visiting fans at the Gtech Community Stadium, before pledging “we will always work as hard as we can to put it right”. Since then,Newcastle have delivered on the manager’s promise in spectacular fashion.
They are now on a nine-match winning streak in all competitions, the joint-best run in the club’s entire history, with 20 goals scored and only two conceded. Suddenly, Champions League qualification is in Newcastle’s hands again, and they have one foot in the Carabao Cup final.
A charge for the Premier League title should not be ruled out either. Newcastle look capable of blowing away any team that’s put in front of them, and it’s time for Howe and his resurgent Magpies to start aiming for the very top, especially with ruthless Swedish frontman Alexander Isak leading their charge.
Underwhelming start
The 2023-24 campaign was a huge disappointment for Newcastle. Howe had guided the club back into the Champions League for the first time in 20 years, but his team crashed out in the group stage, and ended up finishing seventh in the Premier League. Because of Manchester United’s miraculous FA Cup triumph, that wasn’t quite enough for Newcastle to secure another year of European football.
There were no big summer signings to bring a feeling of optimism back to the St James’ Park faithful either. Making Lewis Hall’s loan move from Chelsea permanent was the only significant piece of business Howe conducted, and it was no surprise when Newcastle made such an underwhelming start to the new season.
But there were enough positive signs to keep the wolves from Howe’s door. The Magpies recorded impressive home wins over Tottenham and Arsenal, while also battling to draws against Liverpool and Man City; it was just their away form that was preventing any real progress.
But with a few small tactical tweaks, Howe has fixed that dynamic, and Isak has been the biggest beneficiary.
‘The complete striker’
Heading into a clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on October 27, Isak had just one Premier League goal to his name from six appearances, and seemed to be struggling for rhythm. But he found the target in the 2-1 defeat against the Blues, which seemed to snap him back into life.
That was the first of 14 goals he has scored in his last 13 league outings, and Isak was on the scoresheet for the eighth game in a row on Wednesday as he hit a brace in the 3-0 win over Wolves, breaking a club record he previously shared with Alan Shearer and Joe Willock.
Isak is now only three games away from equalling Jamie Vardy’s historic 11-game scoring streak for Leicester City back in 2015, and only a fool would bet against him. On current form, the Sweden international has a strong case for the title of best centre-forward in Europe.
That’s not just because of his prolific strike-rate either. Isak also set up Anthony Gordon to round off the scoring against Wolves, bringing his tally of assists to five this term, and his work off the ball has been essential to Newcastle’s improvement as a collective.
“He is the complete striker,” Newcastle legend Shearer said on BBC Match of the Day. “He is in red-hot form. No-one can stop him. He has got this belief and confidence and there is no doubt that he has the ability. He does his bit defensively, which he has to do in that Newcastle team. Everything about his game is great. He is just so tough to mark.”
‘This generation’s Henry’
Some teams have been able to limit Newcastle’s effectiveness from the flanks, but Isak is talented and confident enough to create chances for himself in the tighter matches. He’s got more to his game than a pure goal-scorer like Erling Haaland, who rarely gets involved in Man City’s build-up play; Isak will drop deep or drift wide to get on the ball when he’s being starved of service.
The former Real Sociedad star has remarkably quick feet for a big man, his link-up play is excellent, and it’s impossible to knock him off the ball when he’s infull flow. Isak’s powerful yet elegant style of play has even seen him draw regular comparisons to another of the Premier League’s greatest No.14s, Thierry Henry, and one of the Arsenal icon’s former team-mates believes they are fully justified.
“He is comfortable everywhere on the pitch. The ability to rotate positions and occupy every role in a frontline is part of what makes him a constant t
hreat. For me he is the closest thing we have seen to another Thierry Henry,” ex-Arsenal winger Theo Walcott told in November. “Henry started out wide, so he knew that role very well, and Isak’s pace and strength means he is excellent in those areas too. I would say he is this generation’s Henry.”
What’s next?
There is a very good chance that Newcastle’s winning run will continue though to the start of February at least, with favourable games against Bournemouth, Southampton and Fulham up next, and maximum points could potentially see them leapfrog second-placed Arsenal. Howe’s troops are nine points behind leaders Liverpool having played a game more, but the Reds have drawn their last two, and Newcastle are powering through all-comers like a freight train.
When asked if the gap is insurmountable, Shearer replied in his latest Match of the Day appearance: “No it’s not. The form they’re in, the way they’re
looking – defensively solid, clean sheets. Midfield – there’s no doubt they’ve got the system going, and with [Alexander Isak] up front, they’ve got a chance.” He’s absolutely right, Newcastle are the definition of dark horses, especially since they have no European football to distract them.
There are no weaknesses in Howe’s starting XI, and in
Isak he has the most potent weapon in the Premier League. It has been reported that the club now value Isak at £150 million ($184m), with Arsenal reportedly set to test Newcastle’s resolve in the summer, but Shearer believes the 25-year-old should be completely off limits regardless of any potential offers.
“Who are they gonna go out and get that would come into Newcastle and do a similar job? We know that centre-forward is the most important position,” he said on the Rest is Football podcast. “They are really difficult to find so when you’ve got a bloody good one, why do you want to let him go for any price?”
The St James’ Park boardroom team would do well to heed that warning. Isak is doing a flawless job of spearheading a Newcastle team that could very well challenge for the biggest trophies come May, and in the years to come.
