World Transfers: Neymar to return to Santos as Xavi Simons signs permanent deal with Leipzig
Neymar acknowledges the fans during the AFC Champions League Elite match between Al-Hilal and Esteghlal
Brazil forward Neymar will return to his boyhood club Santos from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, he posted on social media on Thursday.
The forward, 32, joined Al-Hilal from Paris St Germain for a reported 90 million euros ($93.8 million) in 2023 but he managed only seven appearances for them after suffering a serious knee injury.
"Playing football that's what I love the most. My family and friends already know my decision, I'll sign sign the contract with Santos Futebol Clube," Neymar said on a video posted on Instagram.
"To be born, live and die for Santos is an honour only a few have... I'm sure only Santos can provide the love I need to prepare for the coming challenges of the next years," he added.
Neymar began his career with Santos in 2009 aged 17, racking up 136 goals and 64 assists in 225 matches to help the club secure their first Copa Libertadores title in nearly 50 years in 2011.
Paraguay international Miguel Almiron has returned to Major League Soccer (MLS) side Atlanta United for an undisclosed fee, after six years at Newcastle United, both clubs said on Thursday.
The 30-year-old winger has joined the American club on a deal that runs until 2027 with an option to extend by another year. He joined Newcastle from the MLS side for around 21 million pounds ($26.19 million) in 2019, which was a then-club-record fee.
Attacking midfielder Xavi Simons has signed for RB Leipzig on a permanent deal after an 18-month loan spell at the Bundesliga team from Paris St Germain, the two clubs said on Thursday.
The Netherlands international has signed a contract at Leipzig until 2027. Media reports said the deal was worth over 50 million euros ($52.19 million) plus significant add-ons.
"I have always emphasised that I feel very much at home in Leipzig and am honoured by the great appreciation I receive at the club," Simons said in a statement shared by Leipzig.
Simons joined PSG as a youth player in 2019 after seven years at Barcelona. He made his senior debut at the French club in 2021, and moved to PSV Eindhoven the next year, before returning to PSG in 2023.
PSG sent Simons on a loan to Leipzig shortly after his return.
The 21-year-old has also made 24 appearances for the Netherlands, and helped Leipzig win the German Super Cup in 2023. He has made 60 appearances for Leipzig over the last two seasons, scoring 15 goals.
Hakim Ziyech has joined Al-Duhail, the Qatar Stars League club announced on Thursday, on a free transfer after the Morocco international left Galatasaray.
The 31-year-old, who represented the Netherlands at youth level, will play under former Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier.
Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso said Victor Boniface will remain at the Bundesliga club, after the Nigerian striker was left out of their Champions League clash with Sparta Prague amid rumours of a move to Saudi Arabia.
Boniface returned from injury on Saturday but was on the bench for Leverkusen's 2-2 draw with RB Leipzig after German media reports linked him with a transfer to Saudi club Al-Nassr.
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