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The rumor mill is in overdrive! Just months after his celebrated return to boyhood club Santos in Brazil, superstar Neymar Jr. is reportedly having second thoughts about staying put. With his contract at Santos expiring at the end of December 2025, sources suggest the 33-year-old is actively seeking a sensational comeback to the top tiers of European football.
The primary motivation? The 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Neymar, who suffered a serious ACL injury during his brief stint with Saudi club Al-Hilal, sees a return to a competitive European league as crucial for regaining his fitness, form, and, most importantly, attracting the attention of Brazil's national team coach, Carlo Ancelotti.
The Serie A Connection: Inter & Napoli on Alert
The most concrete links are currently pointing towards Italy. Reports from Fabrizio Romano and various Italian press outlets indicate that Neymar's representatives have offered his services to several Serie A clubs.
Napoli and Inter Milan are the primary teams mentioned. While Inter's sporting director,
Piero Ausilio, has publicly dismissed the rumors as "nonsense" in October 2025, the speculation persists that the clubs are at least re-evaluating the possibility of a deal, potentially as a free agent in the winter transfer window.
A move to Serie A would be a major marketing coup for Italian football and offer Neymar the high-level competition he craves to impress Ancelotti.
The French Alternative: A Rival Reunion?
Another intriguing option emerging from the French press is a potential move to Olympique Marseille.
A switch to the fierce rivals of his former club, Paris Saint-Germain, would certainly add spice to the transfer saga.
Marseille is reportedly interested in making a significant financial and sporting effort to sign the Brazilian, offering a regular platform in European competitions.
Barcelona Dreams vs. Reality
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Neymar's long-standing desire for a "last dance" at Barcelona continues to be a talking point.
However, the reality is complex. While reports in early 2025 suggested the player saw Barcelona as
his preferred destination and talks were underway, the Catalan giants are reportedly cautious.
Financial constraints and a desire to assess his physical condition mean a return to Camp Nou is
far from guaranteed and likely depends on strict performance conditions.
The MLS & Santos' Stance
Stateside, a reunion with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez at Inter Miami remains an option, though salary cap complexities and roster rules present significant hurdles.
For now, Neymar is under contract with Santos until the end of December 2025. His time back in Brazil has been mixed, marked by good performances in state tournaments but also by recurring injury issues and off-field controversies.
The original plan was to potentially extend his stay until summer 2026, but his clear desire to return to the elite level of Europe has altered those plans.
The Verdict?
Neymar's future is still up in the air. While Inter and Napoli seem like the most plausible destinations for a European comeback, the situation is fluid. One thing is certain: with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the Brazilian superstar is pushing for one final, competitive adventure to secure his place on the national team.