Palmeiras president Leila Pereira dismisses the possibility of Neymar joining Abel Ferreira’s squad.
The possibility of Neymar joining Palmeiras has been a hot topic of speculation in recent weeks, especially given the Brazilian star’s uncertain future and the ongoing injury struggles that have plagued his time at Al Hilal.
However, Palmeiras’ president, Leila Pereira, has decisively put an end to the rumors, confirming in an interview with UOL Esporte that the former Barcelona and PSG forward is not part of the club’s plans. Pereira’s comments not only dismissed the idea but also highlighted the strategic approach that Palmeiras is taking when it comes to squad building and player acquisitions.
"Neymar is not coming," Pereira stated unequivocally. "But he’s a great player, right? A great player, but he’s headed to Santos. Absolutely no problem with that. I don’t know if he will go there; you’d have to ask Santos, but he’s not coming here." With these words, the Palmeiras president aimed to shut down the swirling rumors linking Neymar with a move to the São Paulo-based club. The speculation had been fueled by Neymar’s ties to Brazil and the possibility of him seeking a return to his home country, but Pereira’s response was clear-cut: Neymar will not be wearing the Verdão jersey anytime soon.
The statement also included a subtle jab at the ongoing saga surrounding Neymar’s fitness. The Brazilian international has been dealing with persistent injuries over the past few seasons, significantly limiting his playing time. Since joining Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, Neymar has faced further setbacks, including a severe knee injury that required surgery and will keep him sidelined for several months. In light of this, Leila Pereira made it clear that Palmeiras has no interest in signing players who are not immediately ready to contribute on the field.
Pereira elaborated on this point, shedding light on the club’s recruitment philosophy. "I do not accept that a player signed by Palmeiras is not fit to play right away," she asserted. "I want to invest in an athlete who, if the coach decides ‘you’re going in,’ is ready to take the field the very next day." This policy reflects a broader trend in Palmeiras’ recent transfer dealings, where the focus has been on bringing in players who are match-ready and can make an immediate impact, rather than taking risks on individuals who may be talented but come with significant injury concerns.
The president’s approach underscores a commitment to maintaining a competitive edge, especially as Palmeiras continues to fight for domestic and international titles. Under the guidance of head coach Abel Ferreira, the club has enjoyed a period of sustained success, winning the Brazilian league, the Copa Libertadores, and other significant honors. This success has been built on a foundation of strong, consistent performances from players who are able to contribute fully and without delay. Pereira’s comments indicate that she sees no reason to deviate from this strategy, even for a superstar like Neymar.
By emphasizing the need for fully fit players, Pereira took a clear stance on the issue, indirectly pointing out Neymar’s struggles with injuries. The Brazilian star has missed substantial portions of recent seasons due to various ailments, including ankle problems and the aforementioned knee injury. His injury history has become a major talking point, raising doubts about his ability to return to his peak form. For Palmeiras, the prospect of signing a high-profile but potentially unreliable player does not align with the club’s current vision, and Pereira made sure to underline this fact.
In addition to dismissing the idea of signing Neymar, Pereira also addressed the broader rumors linking the player with a move back to Brazil. While Neymar has strong ties to Santos FC, where he began his professional career and became a national sensation, there has been little concrete evidence to suggest that a return is imminent. "He’s going to Santos," Pereira quipped, though she quickly added, "I don’t know if he will; you’d have to ask Santos." Her words seemed to convey a degree of indifference towards the speculation, suggesting that while Neymar’s potential return to his former club might generate headlines, it’s not a situation that concerns Palmeiras.
The interview concluded with a memorable remark that has since made waves in the media. "Palmeiras is not a medical clinic," Pereira declared. This pointed statement, clearly aimed at the current state of Neymar’s fitness, left little room for interpretation. It was a stark reminder that the club’s priority is to maintain a roster of players who are fully capable of competing at the highest level. For Pereira, it’s a matter of principle: the club will not compromise its standards, even if it means passing on a player of Neymar’s caliber.
The reaction to Pereira’s comments has been mixed. Some fans and analysts have praised her for taking a firm stance and prioritizing the team’s immediate needs over the allure of a marquee signing. Others, however, see it as a missed opportunity, arguing that Neymar, despite his injuries, could still offer a significant boost in terms of skill and marketability. Nonetheless, Pereira’s words have made it clear that Palmeiras is focused on building a balanced, healthy squad, and is not interested in taking on what could be seen as a risky venture.
In the end, Leila Pereira’s handling of the situation sends a strong message about the direction Palmeiras intends to take under her leadership. While the idea of Neymar in a Palmeiras shirt might have been exciting for some, the club’s president has made it clear that they are not looking for short-term fixes or players who come with a high degree of uncertainty. Instead, Palmeiras is sticking to a strategy that has already brought them considerable success, focusing on players who are fit, ready, and able to contribute immediately. As for Neymar, his future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: it won’t be with Palmeiras.
