NEymar Jr. is back and, with him, rumors about his future. One of the best footballers of this generation who, after leaving Barcelona for Paris and landing in Saudi Arabia, seeks to end his career in the best possible way. Physical issues and his decisions have deprived us of seeing this player at his best for any longer, but he still has one last chance to say goodbye in style.
He was injured for over a yearbeing practically unheard of in his current club, but upon his return, there is talk of a departure. He is under contract until 2025in order to be able to leave for free this summer after an eventful stay at Al Hilal.
A footballer whose game depends on his smile and whose joy has long been seen on the pitch. It is for this reason that he is looking for a destination where he can be happy again, where he can enjoy his passion again. His options are mainly two in number and do not depend so much on sporting issues, but rather on emotional ones.
Go back to where you were happy
A blond crest, a patch on his nose and the ability to leave all his rivals behind. This is what Neymar looked like at Santos. Almost as a child, he made his adversaries look like amateurs, with a superiority that soon reached Europe. It was his debut and the images that reached Spain were those of an unprecedented talent that could mark an era. It was the first “Ney”, with a self-confidence and insolence that made the young Brazilian shine in the black and white jersey.
Today, more than a decade later, he has the chance to return to where he grew up. Santos is back in the Brazilian elite and the player expressed his joy on social media: “We are back where we should never have left” wrote the Brazilian on Instagram.
Neymar arrives in June. This is the conversation we're having
Since Peixe, far from denying the rumors, they have fueled them even more. The vice-president of the board was very direct when speaking about Neymar: “It's coming in June. That's the conversation we're having,” he said. Plus, as if that wasn't enough, the former PSG player had a video call with the Santos striker during a press conference to celebrate promotion, adding more ties that connect him to the Brazilian team.
The coach himself spoke about it, saying “it would be great to have him” and that they have this ambition: “It’s a dream, but let’s dream” he said. It would certainly not be a move motivated by money, but rather a return to the team of his dreams, to once again wear the jersey with which he made his name in the world of football. To complete the circle where it all began.
Go back to who you were happy with
The other option is to land in an unfamiliar place, but with “old friends”. The best Neymar was seen in Barcelona, forming a dream trident with Messi and Suarez. A relationship that went beyond the field. A Uruguayan, a Brazilian and an Argentinian who are completely inseparable and who have transferred their good relations into the game. He was also happy there, until he decided to leave for Paris. Today, several years later, he could find them in the United States.
Inter Miami already has, in addition to Luis and Leo, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, forming a team very similar to the one that won the Champions League in 2015 with Luis Enrique. Neymar would be the missing piece, although MLS rules make signing difficult. The salary cap is quite strictwith the exception of three “franchise” players, but these places are already occupied within the American club. However, Tata Martino is already speaking at press conferences asking for flexibility to make this signing possible: “With Leo and the rest of the boys, anything can happen. What I can't imagine is that if the league doesn't relax the salary issue, I don't know how it would happen… The rules are strict and cannot be broken unless the MLS decides to change them.“.
This speculation comes not only from Neymar's relationship with the rest of the players, but also from the fact that the player already bought land in Miami for $26 million.
In any case, Neymar's future seems far from Saudi Arabia and the destinations that appear speak of the player's need to find a smile again. It is up to him to decide whether to give priority to the place or the people.but wherever it is, it would be a real privilege see one of the best footballers in history happy again on the field and putting the finishing touches on a career that hasn't always been as good as expected.
Source link: https://www.marca.com/en/football/2024/11/04/6728e33946163fda098b457d.html