With two months left until the 2026 World Cup, Neymar is currently playing for Santos FC in Brazil to try and earn a call-up to the national team to play his 4th World Cup of his career.
Neymar has a contract with Santos FC until the end of the year and is expected to stay at the club, but a new link to the MLS has emerged before the World Cup.
Tom Bogert and Paul Tenorio of The Athletic report that FC Cincinnati has started talks with Neymar’s camp in preliminary discussions for a potential transfer to the MLS. The links to Neymar are surprising, since the player has been to other MLS clubs like Inter Miami.
This report suggests that talks are at a very early stage, and sources suggest that FC Cincinnati is analyzing whether it is smart to make a big signing like Neymar.
Photo by Marco Buenavista/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images
Chicago Fire were the closest MLS club to attempt to sign Neymar when the Brazilian left Al Hilal last year, but the Brazilian star decided to sign for Santos on a short-term deal and then extend his contract.
Can FC Cincinnati Sign Neymar Now?
FC Cincinnati will find it very difficult to sign Neymar now, just two months before the World Cup, since the player currently has a contract with Santos.
Not only is the Santos contract a factor, but FC Cincinnati no longer has an open designated player slot in the squad.
The three designated player slots are Kévin Denkey, Miles Robinson, and Evander for the rest of the year. FC Cincinnati could potentially plan on signing Neymar for 2027.
Neymar is currently 34 years old, and it is unclear whether he plans to retire after his Santos contract expires or continue playing for a few more years.
