Cincinnati looking into move for Neymar

FC Cincinnati has opened exploratory talks about bringing Brazilian superstar Neymar to Major League Soccer, a source confirmed to ESPN on Thursday.

The Ohio club has reached out to the 34-year-old’s representatives to sound out both his willingness to move to the United States and the financial parameters that would be required to complete what would rank among the league’s most ambitious transfers. Neymar is currently contracted to Santos through December 2026 after triggering a one-year extension last December.

According to the source, Cincinnati’s inquiry is preliminary; no formal offer has been tabled and no decision on the forward’s future is anticipated until after the 2026 World Cup, irrespective of whether he features for Brazil. Neymar has not appeared for the national team since October 2023, though Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has stated repeatedly that a fit Neymar would be under consideration for the tournament roster.

The forward has been sidelined for the past two weeks after undergoing a knee procedure during the recent international break. Santos coach Cuca said Tuesday that the intervention was designed to ensure Neymar is “raring to go” ahead of the World Cup in June. He has managed six appearances in 2026, scoring three goals and providing three assists.

The Athletic first reported Cincinnati’s interest, which adds Neymar to the growing list of global icons linked with MLS moves ahead of the league’s expansion into new markets and its push for heightened international relevance.

Neymar, who previously starred for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, returned to Santos in 2025 in a high-profile homecoming. Any transfer to MLS would require negotiation with the Brazilian club, which remains intent on keeping its marquee attraction through the current contract cycle.

Cincinnati, reigning Supporters’ Shield holders, have positioned themselves among MLS’s aggressive spenders and view Neymar as a transformative acquisition both on and off the pitch. League pundits have cautioned about the complexities attached to such a marquee signing; ESPN analyst Ale Moreno told colleague Herc Gomez that MLS should avoid the “headache” that can accompany Neymar’s off-field profile.

For now, the discussions remain in the exploratory phase, with Cincinnati gathering information while Neymar focuses on regaining full fitness for a potential World Cup swansong.