Palmeiras president Leila Pereira has firmly ruled out the possibility of Neymar joining the Brazilian club, stating that the former Barcelona star is unfit to play for the team.
Amid growing rumors of Neymar’s potential departure from Al Hilal following another injury setback, Leila made it clear that the club is not interested in signing the Brazilian forward, who is currently sidelined for several weeks.
“Neymar will not join Palmeiras, this club isn’t a medical department,” Leila told UOL. “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.”
Neymar, who has made just seven appearances for Al Hilal since joining the Saudi club, is facing a lengthy absence after suffering a fresh injury.
Leila, however, suggested that Neymar is more likely to return to his former club, Santos, where his professional career began before moving to Barcelona in 2013. “Great player, but he’s going to Santos,” she added.
🚨⚠️ 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