Santos resolves debt with help from Neymar's family as star battles flu before derby
Neymar's family company helped Santos settle a debt and lift a FIFA transfer ban, while the player himself is dealing with flu symptoms ahead of a crucial derby against Corinthians.
Debt deal lifts transfer ban
Santos has reached an agreement with NR Sports, Neymar's family company, providing a financial solution that allowed the club to lift a FIFA-imposed transfer ban. The sanction had been in place since early July 2026 due to a debt of 12 million reals (roughly $2.3 million) owed to Monaco for midfielder Jean Lucas. According to Olé, the club had also faced a separate debt issue in February involving Portuguese side Arouca over player Joao Basso.
Per Olé, Santos officially acknowledged an outstanding payment of R$90.5 million owed to Neymar for image rights. Part of the sum was paid in July, and the remainder has now been restructured, with the club able to pay it off in up to 80 monthly installments of roughly one million reals each, with full settlement projected around mid-2033. The club can make additional payments to shorten the timeline.
According to OneFootball, part of the arrangement also involved Santos handing over six advertising spaces on its jersey to NR Sports.
First reinforcement: Arthur Melo
With the transfer ban lifted, Santos is closing in on its first signing of the window: 30-year-old midfielder Arthur Melo, who, as reported by OneFootball, underwent a medical examination on Friday and is expected to sign a contract running through December 2026 — aligned with the end of Neymar's current deal. Arthur has been without a club since terminating his contract with Juventus. OneFootball reports the move was requested by Neymar and his father and has the backing of coach Cuca. The club plans to complete several more signings in the coming weeks as it tries to move away from the relegation zone in the Brasileirão.
Neymar dealing with flu before derby
Alongside the financial news, attention has also turned to Neymar's health. According to Goal.com, the player missed training on Friday, August 28, due to mild flu symptoms, with the club's medical staff opting for a precautionary approach ahead of Sunday's crucial away derby against Corinthians at the Neo Química Arena. The club expects its captain to return to training on Saturday and remain available for selection.
This season, Neymar has scored nine goals and provided eight assists in 24 matches. Per figures compiled by Olé, he has missed nearly half of Santos's games this year — 23 of 47 — mainly due to injuries, his refusal to play on synthetic turf, and load management. Against Corinthians, he has yet to register an official goal or assist since returning to the club.
A win over Corinthians is particularly important for Santos, which currently sits just two points above the relegation zone in the Brasileirão. After the derby, the team faces a difficult task in the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals, needing to overturn a three-goal deficit against Palmeiras.
