Overview
- Multiple outlets reported late Thursday into Friday that Cincinnati made preliminary contact with Neymar’s camp, with no formal offer or active negotiation.
- Neymar remains under contract at Santos through the end of 2026, so any transfer would require the Brazilian club’s approval or a separate agreement.
- FC Cincinnati does not currently have an open MLS Designated Player slot, which clubs use to pay star salaries outside the cap, so the team would need to free or restructure one to proceed.
- The player’s short‑term focus is securing minutes and fitness for Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad, and some reports indicate formal talks could wait until after the tournament.
- MLS continues to court global stars following Messi’s arrival, with Orlando City set to add Antoine Griezmann in July, which helps explain why Cincinnati is gauging the sporting and commercial upside.