Neymar’s MLS Move: A New Chapter in American Soccer? 
Brazilian soccer superstar Neymar is reportedly in discussions with three Major League Soccer (MLS) teams, including the Chicago Fire, about a potential move from Al Hilal. This comes amid speculation about his future, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.
Key Takeaways
- Neymar is in talks with three MLS teams, with Chicago Fire being a frontrunner.
- Inter Miami, previously considered a likely destination, is currently not pursuing Neymar due to salary cap restrictions.
- Neymar’s recent injury struggles have limited his playtime at Al Hilal, raising questions about his fitness and readiness for a new challenge.
Neymar’s Current Situation
Neymar, who joined Al Hilal in 2023, has faced significant challenges since his transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. Injuries have plagued his time in Saudi Arabia, limiting him to just seven appearances and one goal. His recent hamstring injury has further complicated his situation, leading to discussions about his future.
Despite his struggles, Neymar remains a highly sought-after player, and his potential move to MLS has generated considerable interest. The Chicago Fire holds his discovery rights, giving them an advantage in negotiations.
The Chicago Fire’s Interest
The Chicago Fire is actively pursuing Neymar, leveraging their discovery rights to negotiate a deal. The club’s management is reportedly keen on adding a player of Neymar’s caliber to their roster, which currently has room for additional designated players.
- Discovery Rights Explained: In MLS, a team can place players on a discovery list, granting them exclusive negotiation rights. If another team wishes to sign a player on this list, they must compensate the original team, typically starting at $50,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM).
Inter Miami’s Position
While many fans speculated about a reunion between Neymar and his former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez at Inter Miami, the club’s new manager, Javier Mascherano, has downplayed these rumors. He stated that adding Neymar would be "impossible" under the current salary cap rules.
However, the landscape of MLS is changing, and new mechanisms could allow teams to restructure salaries to accommodate high-profile players like Neymar. This leaves the door slightly ajar for a future move to Miami, should circumstances change.
The Road Ahead
As Neymar contemplates his next steps, the upcoming 2026 World Cup looms large. A successful stint in MLS could serve as a platform for him to regain form and secure a spot on Brazil’s national team for the tournament.
- Potential MLS Teams Interested:
- Chicago Fire
- Orlando City SC (speculated)
- Atlanta United (speculated)
Neymar’s future remains uncertain, but his potential move to MLS could mark a significant moment for American soccer, attracting global attention and elevating the league’s profile.
As the January transfer window approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Neymar makes the leap to MLS, and what that could mean for the league and his career.
