The reason why Neymar did not return to play in Europe is now clear.

Neymar came near to rejoining European football, yet a pivotal moment shut that opportunity down.

According to revelations from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli seriously considered signing the Brazilian superstar Neymar during the second half of last season. This idea was discussed by the Southern Italian club’s management for several months before being officially set aside after Kevin De Bruyne agreed to move to Southern Italy.

At that time, after coach Antonio Conte confirmed his continued commitment to the Diego Armando Maradona stadium team, president Aurelio De Laurentiis and sporting director Giovanni Manna held detailed discussions on how to integrate Neymar into their tactical system. However, after numerous meetings, they decided not to pursue the transfer, mainly due to concerns over the 32-year-old star’s extensive injury history.

Sources revealed that Napoli envisioned Neymar playing as a free number 10 or left winger, adding unpredictability to their attacking style. Ultimately, the deal was abandoned because of the high risks involved, while De Bruyne, who is tactically disciplined and reliable, became the perfect fit for Conte’s philosophy.

After leaving Al-Hilal, Neymar returned to Santos in January this year on a free transfer. He scored 6 goals and provided 3 assists in 21 matches, despite frequently struggling with thigh issues. Although his form is no longer at its peak, Neymar remains one of the most expensive stars in football history, with a total transfer value exceeding 400 million euros across moves from Barcelona, PSG, to Al-Hilal.

With 128 caps for Brazil and 79 goals, Neymar still holds the status of an icon in Samba football. However, for Napoli, investing in a “fragile” star at age 32 is too risky, especially as they are in the process of rebuilding to compete in Serie A and the Champions League.

The decision to reject Neymar is considered wise both financially and professionally. Although De Laurentiis is known for liking headline-grabbing deals, coach Conte is more pragmatic, needing a durable player who can control the game’s tempo rather than a star with many potential risks.

Had Napoli signed Neymar, it would likely have been one of the most sensational transfers of last summer. But in the end, choosing De Bruyne, a player with masterful tactical intelligence, was probably the pivotal decision that steered Napoli towards greater stability and sustainability.