New Delhi: Brazilian club Palmeiras president Leila Pereira has made it clear that Neymar Junior won’t be part of the club in 2025. In a recent media interaction, Leila noted that the Al-Hilal striker wasn’t in the best physical condition required at club-level football.
Pereira noted that the club was looking for a player who would be fully fit to play for the side as soon as they joined. She noted that the club wasn’t interested in signing a player who wasn’t fully fit. The statement comes as Neymar’s injury woes continue at the Saudi Pro League club, having made just a few appearances for the side.
🚨⚠️ Palmeiras president Leila: “Neymar will not join Palmeiras, this club isn’t a medical department”.
“I want someone who will come to join immediately, who can play tomorrow if the manager wishes”.
“I won’t accept us signing a player who’s unfit to play”. pic.twitter.com/RKQ12sC97O
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 17, 2024
Neymar’s brief return for Al-Hilal
The Brazilian star is on sidelines again due to a muscle injury as his future in the club has come to spotlight. The rumours have been circulating more since Neymar has made little impact in the league since his transfer to Saudi. Neymar had returned to action after almost a year when Al-Hilal took on Iran’s Esteghlal in AFC Champions League Elitee. He was substituted in the 58th minute during Al-Hilal’s 3-0 win.
However he had to leave the field soon after appearing to be in serious pain in the closing minutes of the game. Al-Hilal coach Jorge Jesus had later confirmed that it was a muscle-related injury and had nothing to do with Neymar’s previous knee injury, with the 32-year-old then estimated to be out for a couple of weeks.
Neymar himself had confirmed that the injury was nothing serious and was caused by his year-long absence from competitive football. However, recent reports show that Neymar’s absence will be longer than expected. There are rumours that Al-Hilal are reconsidering his registration for the second half of the season. The club currently has a maximum of 10 foreign players for domestic competition. Neymar, though, is eligible to play in the continental tournaments. So far, Neymar has only made seven appearances for the Riyadh-based team.
Palmeiras president Leila Pereira has dismissed Neymar Jr’s signing with the club for 2025 season. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
