Does Neymar’s $54m penthouse purchase reveal his future plans?

The Al Hilal star suffered another injury earlier this month, but seems to be feeling well at home in the Middle East.

Despite making just seven league appearances since his $90 million move to Al Hilal last summer, Neymar Jr. to have established themselves well in the Middle East.

The 32-year-old suffered another injury scare last week, suffering a hamstring injury during his second appearance after a year-long anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. He will miss another month of action for the Saudi Pro League team.

Neymar's Al Hilal is based in the Saudi capital Riyadh, but he recently purchased a luxurious new penthouse apartment in Dubai, in the neighboring United Arab Emirates.

The exclusive apartment complex is a joint project by real estate agent Binghatti and supercar brand Bugatti, who are working on a huge luxury complex. in Riyadh.

The project includes 171 Riviera Mansions and 11 Sky Mansion Penthouses, all of which are said to be “uniquely crafted with bespoke, curated layouts.” Neymar's penthouse is said to include a private pool, sweeping city views and even an internal lift for his range of supercars. The apartment is reportedly worth $54 million.

What next for Neymar?

There has been a lot of speculation in recent months that Neymar could be the next superstar to join the MLS, with Inter Miami often mentioned as a potential destination. The culture and climate in Miami certainly seem attractive to South Americans and Neymar could link up with Lionel Messi for the third time in his career.

But news of this huge property investment suggests Neymar believes his future lies in the Middle East. In addition to his huge salary at Al Hilal, Neymar is also an ambassador for the Saudi bid to host the 2034 World Cup.

“The opportunity to play here and live in a country like this is very important for people. That's why I always say that I was very well received here,” said Neymar.

“I'm very happy and I'm sure it will only get better. I'm sure other stars will come here. I believe that many will have the opportunity to come here, and I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience what I experienced here.”

With his move to the Saudi Pro League, Neymar seemed to tacitly suggest that his time at the highest level of European football was over. Still blessed with incredible talent, his fitness had become increasingly precarious in recent years and he has only made more than 20 league appearances for Paris Saint-Germain once in six years.