Santos manager Marcelo Teixeira has clarified that he wants Neymar to continue at the club until the season’s conclusion, despite speculation of a summer return to Barcelona.

Over the past month, there has been speculation that the former Barcelona winger is set to return to his former club in an attempt to be ready for the 2026 World Cup.

The news has received numerous updates since the rumor broke out. The player who seems to be having his spark again in Santos is getting ready for a European return, but Santos’s manager has commented on the issue.

Santos Hope on Neymar’s Continuity

It is rumoured that the Brazilian will want to return to Camp Nou at the end of the season. However, Deco has recently downplayed such reports.

Teixeira claims the club wants to persuade him to stay and believes he is now committed to the cause.

The manager said: “He’s doing very well, very focused on his work. We’re familiar with the Brazilian schedule here; you play on Wednesdays and Sundays. He’s very dedicated to training and matches, growing increasingly physically and with confidence, which is very important. He’s very committed to the project and the players, who see him as a role model. The rest of the team trusts him. He’s committed to the project and the group of players.”

Neymar has only signed a short-term contract with Santos and has stated that “anything can happen” regarding his future and where he will play next season.