Santos & Neymar 'reach understanding' over contract renewal to take Brazil forward through to 2026 World Cup

Neymar

Brazilian superstar Neymar has reportedly "reached an understanding" with Santos to extend his stay at the club until the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The 33-year-old returned to his boyhood team in January, following an injury-plagued spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal, but has been linked with an exit as his current contract expires at the end of the month.

The 33-year-old has always prioritised staying at Santos and now looks set to continue at least until the World Cup, according to ESPN. Various clubs have been linked with a move for Neymar, including Lionel Messi's Inter Miami, but the two parties are now in "advanced talks" to extend his contract after Neymar helped defend Santos' top-flight status and avoid relegation at the end of last season. Neymar is now expected to sign a six-month extension to his current contract, which will end speculation about a move ahead of the World Cup. Neymar has scored 12 goals and bagged six assists in 30 games for Santos since returning at the start of the year.

Although Neymar's future now looks to be resolved, he is set to undergo surgery on a knee injury. The Brazilian played through the pain barrier at the end of last season but is expected to go under the knife for a procedure that will rule him out of action for a month. The Brazilian is currently on holiday following the end of Santos's season, with the new campaign in Brazil not due to start until the end of January.