Neymar has been heavily linked with a move to Inter Miami this January, with the prospect of a reunion with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez a strong one.
The Brazilian superstar is expected to leave Al-Hilal this January with Neymar rumored with a switch to Inter Miami, though MLS rivals Chicago Fire have also held talks with the 32-year-old attacker in recent weeks.
Inter Miami were hit with a further blow this weekend following news that Brazilian side Santos were in negotiations to bring Neymar back to his boyhood club on loan, with Al-Hilal intent on letting the winger leaving this January.
And it appears that a move back to Brazil is now set to happen for Neymar.
Neymar set to re-join Santos as transfer agreement is reached
According to Gol Digital, Santos and Al-Hilal have reached a complete agreement over the transfer of Neymar, with the attacker set to rejoin his former team instead of heading to MLS to reunite with Messi and Suarez at Inter Miami.
With Inter Miami having three obstacles to sign Neymar this January, the probability of the 32-year-old making the move to Florida this month was always low, even with Javier Mascherano’s side having a free Designated Player spot.
Indeed, Inter Miami have also been linked with Marc Bartra, the FC Barcelona contingent looks set to increase this month with the Herons already bringing Mascherano on board, with Pablo Torre also a target for the Chase Stadium side.
Yet with Neymar heading to Santos, there will be a sense of disappointment amongst Inter Miami fans that the reigning Supporters’ Shield holders weren’t able to get a deal over the line, especially with the FIFA Club World Cup coming up this summer.
Who could Inter Miami realistically sign this January?
Having made five signings already this January, Inter Miami have spent a hefty amount of new players ahead of the 2025 season, where the Florida franchise will want to challenge for every piece of silverware on offer.
With Maximiliano Falcon also close to joining Inter Miami, the squad is expected to grow in the coming weeks, with an emphasis on improving the backline likely to continue with the Herons having one of the worst defensive records in MLS last year.
After an impressive start in pre-season with a penalty shootout win against Club America, more pieces to the puzzle will likely be added the more we see of this Inter Miami side, with Mascherano ready to prove his worth as a club manager.