An unexpected team has emerged as Neymar (34)'s next destination: MLS's FC Cincinnati.
The Athletic reported on the 10th (Korean time) that Cincinnati has begun initial contact with Neymar's camp about a possible transfer. It is not yet in earnest negotiation. Cincinnati is at the stage of confirming Neymar's intentions and conditions, and it is reported that the club is reviewing whether an actual recruitment push is possible internally.
Cincinnati believes it is a club capable of attracting world-class star players. In fact, it previously pursued Weston McKennie and Josh Sargent. The club sees its financial resources and new training facilities as potentially attractive to Neymar.
There is plenty of time. Neymar is currently under contract with his former club Santos through the end of 2026. Last year Chicago Fire FC tried to sign Neymar after he left Al Hilal SFC, but he ultimately chose to return to Santos and then extended his contract for another year.
Now 34, Neymar is still going strong. He led Santos to avoid relegation last year. In the 2025 season he played about 2,000 minutes in official matches, scoring 11 goals and providing 4 assists. This season he scored 3 goals and had 2 assists in the first four league games. He is raising his fitness and form ahead of the summer World Cup.
The objective is clear: to catch the eye of coach Carlo Ancelotti. Neymar was left out of Brazil's squad in March. Ancelotti reportedly wanted more time to assess Neymar.
Neymar told Brazil's Kings League broadcast, "Of course I'm upset and sad not to be selected for the national team. But the goal hasn't changed. Through training, matches and day by day, I'll eventually get where I want to be," adding, "There is still one final roster announcement left. The dream is still alive."
The problem is Cincinnati's reality. MLS has a designated player (DP) rule. Each team can register at most three high-salary players. Cincinnati has already filled the three spots with Kevin De la Cruz, Miles Robinson and Evander. All three players are on long-term contracts, so freeing a spot won't be easy.
If Cincinnati wants to bring Neymar in, it would have to offload someone. The most likely candidate is De la Cruz. De la Cruz attracted interest from European clubs at the end of the winter transfer window and was signed last year by Cincinnati for the club-record transfer fee of $16.1 million (about 23.9 billion won).
In recent years MLS has actively attracted global stars, especially after Lionel Messi's box-office success. Marco Reus, Hugo Lloris, Thomas Müller, Son Heung-min, Rodrigo De Paul and James Rodríguez have already joined MLS.
Neymar could be added to that list. It is still an exploratory stage. But if Cincinnati really starts to move, it could become the biggest MLS story this summer.
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