Neymar Expected to Delay Santos Contract Renewal as Knee Surgery Approaches

Neymar’s contract extension with Santos is set to be delayed as the forward prepares to undergo knee surgery before Christmas, according to reports in Brazil. The 33-year-old, who returned to Santos earlier this year, intends to wait until after the procedure before finalising a new deal, with the club and his representatives aligned on postponing negotiations.

Renewal Postponed Ahead of Scheduled Surgery

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Neymar’s current contract expires on December 31, leaving him free to sign elsewhere if a renewal is not completed. However, both the player and Santos are reportedly confident that an agreement will eventually be reached, likely extending his stay until mid-2026.

Journalist Lucas Musetti, via Planeta do Futebol, reported that negotiations had advanced and were initially expected to be concluded this week. However, Neymar’s father and agent, Neymar Sr., advised delaying the final signing until the knee surgery is completed.

According to the report, Neymar Sr. suggested “there is no need to rush,” and the club accepted this timeline. The delay is described as consistent with previous contract negotiations involving the Neymar family, who prefer to wait until all conditions are favourable before finalising agreements.

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Why Santos Will Wait for the Procedure

Musetti elaborated on the decision during a YouTube broadcast, explaining that the club prefers to complete the renewal once the surgery is successful.

Neymar is currently on holiday in the United States and is expected to schedule the surgery upon his return. The reported procedure will be a simple video arthroscopy to address a meniscus issue, though Santos want confirmation that no further complications arise before officially renewing the deal.

“If the surgery reveals a more complex problem requiring a longer recovery, it could affect how the contract is structured,” Musetti said. As a result, Santos consider waiting the logical approach.

Mental and Physical Recovery After Intense Season End

Musetti also noted that Neymar’s recent comments about experiencing a “psychological collapse” contributed to the decision to slow down the renewal process. The forward has spoken openly about the emotional and physical strain he faced in recent weeks.

Neymar played through discomfort in his knee to help Santos avoid relegation, scoring five goals in four decisive matches. Following the end of the season, he chose to take time off before undergoing surgery, which has in turn delayed contract finalisation.

“These have been tough weeks for me,” Neymar said. “If it weren’t for the people supporting me, I wouldn’t have played these matches because of the knee problem.”

Surgery Could Influence Brazil National Team Prospects

Renewing with Santos still appears the most likely outcome, particularly as Neymar aims to be fit and performing regularly ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Remaining in Brazil is seen as a pathway to gaining rhythm and form ahead of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad selection.

Neymar has not played for the national team since 2023 and was left out of recent call-ups due to fitness concerns. A successful surgery and consistent playing time may be essential to reviving his international prospects before next summer’s tournament.