Neymar’s Father-Agent to Meet FC Cincinnati as MLS Move Gains Momentum

São Paulo – The first formal steps toward what could be the most sensational transfer in Major League Soccer history are about to be taken. ESPN Brasil reports that Neymar’s father and agent will sit down in person with FC Cincinnati officials within days to explore bringing the 32-year-old superstar to the United States once he completes his ongoing rehabilitation stint at boyhood club Santos.

While financial terms have yet to surface, people familiar with the agenda say the meeting will focus on salary parameters, bonus triggers, and the complex image-rights package that accompanies any Neymar negotiation. Cincinnati president and co-owner Jeff Berding, sporting director Chris Albright, and a cadre of league-contracted commercial specialists are expected to travel for the talks, underscoring both the seriousness of the club’s interest and the intricate nature of the deal.

The development comes as Neymar logs increasingly confident minutes for Santos, making his latest appearance in Saturday’s 1-0 league victory over Atlético Mineiro. Head coach Cuca praised the forward’s condition afterward, telling reporters: “Neymar filled his tank. It might have been his best game in terms of competitive and physical levels. The trend is for him to keep playing; we’ll manage minutes so he’s ready every three days.” That schedule mirrors the cadence of a World Cup knockout phase, a benchmark Neymar must hit to convince Carlo Ancelotti he deserves a Brazil recall for 2026.

Cincinnati’s pursuit is not dependent on Neymar’s World Cup participation, sources say. Club officials are prepared to make their pitch for an immediate post-tournament arrival, viewing the attacker as a transformative Designated Player who could elevate the club – and the league’s global profile – ahead of the 2026 tournament hosted across North America.

For now, Neymar’s inner circle is keeping one foot on the ball and one ear to the phone. Santos’ upcoming slate – a Copa Sudamericana date with Recoleta on Tuesday, followed by Brasileirão meetings with Fluminense and Coritiba – will serve as a fitness audit before any contract is signed. Yet with his representative poised to hear Cincinnati’s formal offer, the countdown to an MLS blockbuster has quietly begun.