Santos Delays Neymar Contract Talks as Inter Milan Denies Interest

Overview

• Neymar’s renewal will be discussed only after the league campaign, with Santos taking a cautious stance due to recent injuries and the cost of a new deal.
• Neymar is rehabbing a right rectus femoris injury sustained on September 19, his third muscle issue since returning, with a target return around November.
• Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio called reports linking the club to Neymar “nonsense,” leaving other mooted destinations like Milan, Napoli and Inter Miami as unconfirmed speculation.
• Former Santos coach Emerson Leão publicly questioned Neymar’s conditioning and example for younger players, intensifying scrutiny of the forward’s current level.
• Neymar has played 21 matches for Santos this year with six goals and three assists, has invested in advanced recovery equipment, and aims to stay in contention for Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad.