Neymar and FC Cincinnati are in initial discussions about a move to MLS, according to reports.

FC Cincinnati’s Pursuit of Neymar

FC Cincinnati is reportedly making moves to sign Neymar to a major MLS deal.

Media reports indicate that the agent for the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star has begun “preliminary” discussions with Cincinnati regarding the 34-year-old player, who is currently with Brazilian club Santos.

Sources suggest that these talks are still in the “very early stages,” with Cincinnati assessing both Neymar’s financial demands and his openness to relocating.

The Brazilian forward recently had knee surgery during the international break and is working hard to regain fitness ahead of this summer’s World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

However, since suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay last October, he hasn’t represented the national team.

A few months prior, Neymar left PSG to join Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, where he played just seven matches before returning to Santos, his boyhood club. His current contract with Santos runs until the end of 2026.

One challenge in Neymar’s potential transfer to Cincinnati is the club’s limited designated player slots. Typically, a high-profile forward like him would need to be classified as one of the club’s designated players, which are exceptions to the salary cap due to their likely hefty salaries.

Other notable names in the league include Son Heung-Min of LAFC, Emil Forsberg of the New York Red Bulls, and of course, Lionel Messi from Inter Miami.

Interestingly, Neymar had discussions with the Chicago Fire last year, and there are also whispers about a connection to New York City FC.

This season, he has scored three goals and provided two assists in just four league appearances, although he did not get selected for Brazil’s friendlies against Croatia and France recently.

Santos coach Cuca commented that even though Neymar missed the last match, he is optimistic about his recovery and excited for the rest of the season.