Neymar, FC Cincinnati in early talks over shock MLS move: report

FC Cincinnati have opened exploratory discussions with representatives of Brazilian superstar Neymar about a sensational switch to Major League Soccer, The Athletic reported on Tuesday.

Sources familiar with the talks stressed that negotiations remain “preliminary,” with the Ohio club still weighing the financial implications of a deal for the 34-year-old forward, who rejoined boyhood club Santos last year after a brief stint at Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal. Neymar, under contract with Santos through December 2026, would command a salary that would require one of Cincinnati’s three designated-player slots, all of which are currently occupied.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain talisman is reportedly recovering from a knee procedure performed during the recent international break and is targeting a return in time for this summer’s World Cup, to be staged across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Neymar has not appeared for Brazil since tearing his ACL in a qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023, and he was omitted from the Seleção’s recent friendlies against Croatia and France.

Despite his limited action, Neymar has shown flashes of his old form for Santos, registering three goals and two assists in four league appearances this season. Head coach Cuca told ESPN that the forward is “raring to go” for the remainder of the Brazilian campaign after sitting out last weekend’s match.

Cincinnati’s interest is not the first time MLS clubs have circled the veteran attacker. Neymar held conversations with the Chicago Fire last year and has been periodically linked with New York City FC. Any move to Cincinnati would require roster maneuvering, as the club would need to free a designated-player slot to accommodate Neymar’s expected wage demands. Around MLS, fellow DPs include LAFC’s Son Heung-min, New York Red Bulls midfielder Emil Forsberg and Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi.

Should Neymar earn a recall to Brazil’s World Cup squad, the team will open its group-stage schedule on June 13 against Morocco at MetLife Stadium.