Neymar has become the latest soccer superstar attracting attention from MLS, with FC Cincinnati reportedly assessing the possibility of bringing the Santos star to the United States, according to a source who spoke with ESPN’s Nathalia Ferrão on Thursday.
Cincinnati has reached out to the representatives of the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star to determine his interest and to initiate preliminary discussions about a potential transfer, the source revealed.
Neymar is currently under contract with his childhood club, Santos, until the end of 2026, having extended his contract by a year last December. Cincinnati’s inquiry reportedly focused on his willingness to consider joining MLS and the financial arrangements necessary to secure such a prominent player.
The Athletic first reported on the potential transfer.
Any decisions regarding Neymar’s future are likely to be postponed until after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, regardless of whether he represents Brazil. He has not been selected for the national team since October 2023.
Due to a knee injury, Neymar has missed the last two weeks with Santos, limiting him to just six appearances in 2026, where he scored three goals and provided three assists.
However, Santos coach Cuca stated on Tuesday that Neymar recently underwent a knee procedure during the international break to prepare him for the upcoming World Cup in June.
Brazil’s coach Carlo Ancelotti has reiterated that Neymar will be considered for the World Cup squad if he returns to full fitness.
In the most recent international matches, Brazil faced a 2-1 defeat against France in a friendly before winning 3-1 against Croatia in their second exhibition of the March window.