FC Cincinnati Exploring Move to Bring Neymar to MLS

Major League Soccer could be on the verge of another seismic shift in its global profile. FC Cincinnati has begun exploring options to bring Neymar, the Brazilian superstar and current Santos forward, to the United States, according to reports from ESPN and The Athletic.

The club has initiated contact with the representatives of the 34-year-old to gauge his interest and open preliminary discussions regarding a potential transfer. While the talks are in the incredibly early stages, the inquiry focuses on whether Neymar would consider a transition to the American league and the specific financial framework required to facilitate a signing of his caliber.

For FC Cincinnati, this isn’t just about a single player; it is a statement of intent. The club views itself as a premier destination for both global icons and U.S. National team stars. This ambition is reflected in their past explorations of deals for USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie and forward Josh Sargent. The organization believes its financial capabilities and new facilities provide a compelling argument for a star of Neymar’s magnitude.

The Santos Contract and Current Form

Any move for Neymar is complicated by his current commitments in Brazil. Neymar remains under contract with his boyhood club, Santos, through the complete of 2026, having extended his deal for one year last December. He played a pivotal role in guiding Santos away from relegation at the end of 2025, recording 11 goals and four assists in just over 2,000 minutes of play.

His 2026 campaign has been fragmented. Depending on the metric, Neymar has made between four league appearances and six total appearances this year, contributing three goals and between two and three assists. His impact on the pitch has been limited recently by a knee injury that kept him out of the Santos squad for the past two weeks.

Despite these setbacks, there is a clear path toward recovery. Santos coach Cuca confirmed that Neymar underwent a knee procedure during the most recent international break. The goal is to ensure he is “raring to go” for the upcoming World Cup in June.

The World Cup Factor and National Team Ambitions

The timing of any potential move to Cincinnati is inextricably linked to the 2026 World Cup. Sources indicate that any final decision regarding Neymar’s future will likely be deferred until after the conclusion of the tournament, regardless of whether he features in the Brazil squad.

Neymar’s relationship with the national team has been strained recently; he has not been called up to represent the five-time World Cup champions since October 2023. During the March international window, Brazil lost 2-1 to France in a friendly before securing a 3-1 victory over Croatia. Neymar was not selected for these fixtures, a snub that he admitted left him “upset and sad” during a broadcast of Kings League Brazil.

However, the door remains open. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has stated repeatedly that Neymar will be considered for the World Cup roster provided he is fully fit. For Neymar, the immediate priority is proving his form and fitness to Ancelotti to secure a spot on the plane this summer.

MLS Context: Opportunity vs. Headache

Neymar is no stranger to MLS interest. When he departed Al Hilal in 2025, the Chicago Fire engaged in serious negotiations to bring him to the U.S. Neymar opted for a short-term return to Santos, which he subsequently extended.

While the prospect of Neymar in Cincinnati would be a commercial goldmine, not everyone in the soccer community is convinced. Ale Moreno, speaking on ESPN, suggested that MLS should avoid the “headache” that typically accompanies a signing of Neymar’s profile, hinting at the complexities of managing a global icon of his stature.

For the global reader, a move to Cincinnati would represent a significant geographical and cultural shift from the intense pressure of the Brazilian league and the luxury of the Saudi Pro League, where Neymar spent the previous chapter of his career.

Key Takeaways:

• Current Status: FC Cincinnati is in preliminary talks with Neymar’s camp to gauge interest.
• Contractual Hurdle: Neymar is under contract with Santos until the end of 2026.
• Health Update: He recently underwent a knee procedure to prepare for the June World Cup.
• National Team: Coach Carlo Ancelotti will consider him for the World Cup roster if fully fit.
• Timeline: A decision on a move to MLS is expected after the 2026 World Cup.

The next major checkpoint for this story will be the Brazil national team’s final roster announcements and Neymar’s availability for the 2026 World Cup in June. Whether he returns to the world stage in Brazil colors or prepares for a new chapter in Ohio, the coming weeks will define the final act of his prime.

Do you think Neymar is the right fit for MLS, or is he too big of a “headache” for the league? Let us know in the comments.

Sources: ESPN, The Athletic