Al Hilal terminates Neymar’s contract ahead of his sensational return to Santos.
Brazil star, Neymar is set to return to his boyhood club, Santos after a challenging stint with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. The 32-year-old Brazil captain joined Al-Hilal in 2023 for $97.6 million from Paris Saint-Germain but was plagued by injuries, limiting him to just seven appearances and one goal. Neymar suffered a torn ACL while on international duty and later a hamstring injury, hindering his contribution to the team. Al-Hilal announced on Monday that they had mutually agreed to terminate Neymar’s contract, clearing the way for his Santos move. Reports suggest Neymar will sign a six-month deal with an option for an additional year, with a formal unveiling planned later this week. To facilitate the transfer, Neymar has forfeited $25-30 million of his remaining $65 million contract. Returning to Santos marks a significant step for Neymar, who will be hoping to rejuvenate his career.
🚨💣 Neymar Jr back to Santos, story confirmed and HERE WE GO! ⚪️⚫️🇧🇷
Al Hilal have terminated Ney’s contract with immediate effect as the Brazilian will now travel for medical and sign in as new Santos player.
Back to Santos, back to Vila Belmiro.
Ney volta pra casa. 🔙🏡 pic.twitter.com/gmPu9uVdNa
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 27, 2025
Paul Pogba sparks rumours of a potential return to Manchester United.
World Cup winner Paul Pogba has sparked speculation about a possible return to Manchester United with cryptic Social Media posts. The French World Cup winner has been without a club since leaving Juventus in November and is training in Miami while seeking a new team. Pogba’s four-year doping ban was recently reduced to 18 months, allowing him to play again from March. While linked to clubs like Marseille, Manchester City, and Corinthians, Pogba hinted at a third stint with United by sharing a Cartoon of himself and Amad Diallo in United jerseys, with Pogba donning his former No. 6. He followed this with a photo overlooking Miami, captioned: “Let’s see what’s coming…” Pogba’s previous United spell included 226 appearances, 39 goals, and silverware under Jose Mourinho, though he faced criticism for inconsistent performances. If confirmed, a return would be one of the Premier League’s most surprising moves.
Paul Pogba on IG 😂👀 pic.twitter.com/CV8sS9WjUQ
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) January 27, 2025
Al Nassr sets sight on Victor Boniface following Talisca’s departure.
With Anderson Talisca’s move to Fenerbahçe complete, Al-Nassr are targeting a new striker to partner Cristiano Ronaldo as the Portuguese star aims for his first trophy with the Saudi club. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Al-Nassr have initiated talks with Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface over a potential summer transfer. The Nigerian striker has impressed under Xabi Alonso, and Al-Nassr believe he could complement Ronaldo in attack. Aston Villa’s Jhon Durán is also on their radar, but the Premier League club is unwilling to sell the Colombian, who is also attracting interest from Real Madrid. Consequently, Al-Nassr may prioritize Boniface, though Bayer Leverkusen reportedly value him at €50 million. Boniface, who joined Leverkusen from Union Saint-Gilloise in 2023 for €20 million, recently extended his contract until 2029. The 23-year-old scored 21 goals last season and has contributed eight goals this term, solidifying his reputation as a top talent.
🚨🟡🔵 More on Victor Boniface and Al Nassr story.
Understand Al Nassr delegation is now in Germany to negotiate with both player side and Bayer Leverkusen.
Talks underway, as revealed. Boniface and Jhon Durán are the two main names on Al Nassr list. pic.twitter.com/Nk39g9SlX7
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 27, 2025
Jimmy Butler suspended indefinitely after reportedly walking out of practice.
The Miami Heat have indefinitely suspended forward Jimmy Butler without pay after he walked out of practice on Monday, marking his third suspension in recent weeks. The latest suspension will last at least five games, taking Butler out until after the NBA Trade deadline on February 6. The Heat cited a “continued pattern of disregard for team rules and conduct detrimental to the team,” including his decision to leave practice. Butler had been set to return from a two-game suspension Monday night against Orlando but reacted to being replaced in the starting lineup by leaving the morning shootaround. Earlier suspensions included a seven-game ban for detrimental conduct and a two-game suspension for missing a team flight to Milwaukee. Butler, who has requested a trade, forfeits $532,737 per game during the suspension. Meanwhile, the Heat overcame a 14-point deficit to defeat Orlando 125-119 in double overtime.
The Miami Heat are suspending Jimmy Butler indefinitely, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/iQrD0OeyL3
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 27, 2025
Olympique Lyon sacks head coach Pierre Sage due to poor run of form.
French side, Olympique Lyonnais have parted ways with manager Pierre Sage following a disappointing 1-1 draw with FC Nantes, according to L’Équipe. Sage, who had no prior managerial experience, was initially a surprise success last season, guiding a struggling Lyon team from the bottom of the table to the Coupe de France final and securing European qualification. However, this season has seen Lyon struggle for form, with poor results including draws against FC Toulouse, Fenerbahçe, and Nantes, as well as a shocking Coupe de France exit to amateur side FC Bourgoin-Jallieu. The club has decided a change is necessary to salvage their season. Reports suggest Lyon are considering Paulo Fonseca, the former Lille OSC and AC Milan manager, as the leading candidate for the role. Club owner John Textor is also weighing up Portuguese coach Luis Castro as a potential replacement.
🚨🔴🔵 Olympique Lyon have sacked the manager Pierre Sage with immediate effect.
John Textor, working on new manager as Paulo Fonseca is among options as @hugoguillemet reports. pic.twitter.com/bQ04Zd8HsO
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 27, 2025