Cincinnati considering acquisition of Neymar for MLS team
Neymar has become the latest international soccer figure to attract attention from MLS, as FC Cincinnati has begun exploring possibilities to bring the Santos player to the United States, a source informed ESPN’s Nathalia Ferrão.
Cincinnati has reached out to the representatives of the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player to assess his interest and initiate preliminary talks regarding a potential transfer, the source noted.
Neymar is still under contract with his childhood club Santos until the end of 2026, having extended his agreement for an additional year last December. The inquiry from Cincinnati, according to the source, centered on whether he would contemplate a move to MLS and the financial parameters necessary to enable such a significant signing.
The Athletic was the first to report on this development.
Any determination concerning Neymar’s future is anticipated to be postponed until after the 2026 World Cup concludes, irrespective of whether Neymar plays for Brazil. He has not been called up to represent the five-time World Cup champions since October 2023.
Neymar has been sidelined from the Santos lineup for the last two weeks due to a knee injury, which has limited him to six appearances in 2026, during which he scored three goals and provided three assists.
However, Santos coach Cuca stated on Tuesday that Neymar underwent a knee procedure during the international break to “be raring to go” in preparation for the World Cup in June.
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has consistently mentioned that Neymar would be considered for selection for the World Cup if he is fully fit.
During the last international break, Brazil suffered a 2-1 defeat to France in a friendly and subsequently defeated Croatia 3-1 in the second exhibition of the March window.
