Neymar’s Next Landing Spot: The MLS?

Neymar to MLS? 👀

The Brazilian star is in discussions with three teams, including Chicago Fire.

But don’t expect an Inter Miami reunion with Messi and Suárez…yet.

Is the U.S. his next stop? 🌟⚽ pic.twitter.com/ndCl4ZcRkL

— LockerRoom RAW (@LockerRoom_RAW) January 16, 2025

ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle reported that Neymar has been in contact with three MLS clubs, including the Chicago Fire. Inter Miami is not believed to be one of the teams who has contacted Neymar.

According to @Santi_J_FM The Chicago Fire art targeting Brazilian 🇧🇷 star Neymar.

If the deal can be agreed upon it would be for 2 years.

Do you believe this will happen? pic.twitter.com/fu3yHSy69U

— MLS Moves (@MLSMoves) January 15, 2025

“Brazil superstar and Al Hilal attacker Neymar is in preliminary talks with three MLS sides, including Chicago Fire FC, over a proposed move,” sources told ESPN. “A source added that at present, Inter Miami isn’t among the teams bidding for Neymar.”

…However, sources with ESPN in Brazil have tempered expectations over a move to MLS for Neymar. “Those sources also added that if he were to play in the United States he still held out hope of signing with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez in South Florida.”

Neymar is open for a “MSN” re Union at inter Miami. How huge would this impact on the MLS??pic.twitter.com/XwarCim34T

— Mancunian (@UTDXMancunian) January 7, 2025

Neymar Wants to Reunite With Messi in Miami

Some of this appears to be Neymar attempting to pull some strings for a potential reunion with Lionel Messi in Miami. The challenge is the feeling may not be mutual. Miami manager Javier Mascherano attempted to downplay the soccer rumors by labeling adding Neymar as “impossible.”

I would be absolutely SHOCKED if Neymar isn’t an Inter Miami player. Now the question is will it be this season or next?

TBD. pic.twitter.com/6bfL2bhXjT

— MLS Moves (@MLSMoves) January 5, 2025

“We cannot talk about Ney because we have nothing about him,” Mascherano said, per CBS Sports. “Obviously, Ney is a great player, everyone or every coach in the world wants him but at the moment, you know the rules, the MLS rules about the salary cap. So, for us in this moment. it’s impossible…”

Neymar sees his future in MLS 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/FhRt38fNGl

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 21, 2022

Neymar Lining Up a Move to MLS Before the 2026 World Cup?

As for the other teams, it would not be a surprise if Orlando City kicks the tires on Neymar given the club’s history with previous Brazilian stars (like Kaka). It has also been a while since Atlanta United made a big splash in the transfer market.

IF @NeymarJr coming to @MLS, with 600,000+ Brasilians & Brasilian-Americans in Florida, #MLS making big mistake if not getting him to play with @OrlandoCitySC. Brasilian connection to Greater Orlando community is a “no duh” and “Hot Mess” Florida Derby needs shot of adrenaline. https://t.co/8vWp5j1hck

— Route 1 ⚽️™ ⚖ (@route1soccer) January 16, 2025

We will see if Miami has a change of heart and finds more millions underneath the couch cushions. Regardless, it looks as if Neymar is looking towards a move to the MLS just in time for the 2026 World Cup that is also coming to the stats.

Despite Neymar’s stats, the superstar should not view himself as a lock for the Brazil roster in 2026. Neymar would be wise to use the MLS schedule as a ramp-up period to the World Cup if the striker makes the move.

For now, fans will be dreaming of making some MLS soccer bets with Neymar on the pitch.