Overview
- Multiple outlets reported Thursday that FC Cincinnati contacted Neymar’s representatives to gauge his interest in a move to Major League Soccer.
- Reporters from The Athletic and ESPN say the outreach is very early as club officials debate whether to mount a full pursuit.
- Cincinnati has all three Designated Player slots filled by Kévin Denkey, Miles Robinson and Evander, and MLS limits teams to three such high-salary slots.
- Neymar is under contract with Santos through December 2026, which allows pre-contract talks from June 2026 and could remove a transfer fee while leaving major salary and image-rights terms to solve.
- ESPN reports he recently had a knee procedure and is pushing for a World Cup place, and decisions on his future are expected after the 2026 tournament.