Neymar criticises Santos over João Basso exit, says defender deserved more respect | OneFootball

Neymar has criticised the Santos board after João Basso’s contract was ended by mutual consent, despite running until the end of 2026, with the 29-year-old defender not in the club’s plans for the rest of the year.

The player said in a post that he was sad to see Basso leave like this, wished him luck, praised his professionalism and said he deserved more respect, adding that he would always support him.

Neymar and Basso have become close since the idol’s arrival at Santos. They also spend time together away from the club, with Basso frequently visiting Neymar’s homes in the Baixada Santista and in Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro.

The hierarchy were initially wary of pursuing a termination given the defender’s ties to the number 10, but they met Basso in recent days and agreed his exit. He was not set to be used by Juan Pablo Vojvoda for the remainder of the year.

Santos also sought to free space on the wage bill and in the squad, and have signed Lucas Veríssimo for the defence. He will be one of the highest earners and has signed a three-season contract after a spell in Qatari football.

Source: Globo.com