Neymar and FC Cincinnati Begin Preliminary Talks: Sources
FC Cincinnati has initiated early discussions with Neymar’s representatives regarding a potential move to Major League Soccer (MLS). Sources familiar with the situation emphasize that these talks are still in their preliminary phases.
Neymar’s Situation and FC Cincinnati’s Ambitions
The club is assessing Neymar’s interest and conditions while evaluating the feasibility of signing the renowned Brazilian star. FC Cincinnati aims to position itself as an attractive destination for global football icons and U.S. national team players. In the past, they have pursued players like Weston McKennie and Josh Sargent.
With financial strength and upgraded facilities, FC Cincinnati believes it can attract high-profile players such as Neymar. Currently, Neymar has a contract with Santos, his first club, which extends until the end of 2026.
Recent Performance and Future Outlook
Neymar, who is 34 years old, contributed significantly to Santos by helping them avoid relegation in 2025, scoring 11 goals and providing four assists in over 2,000 minutes of play. In the current season, he has already netted three goals and supplied two assists in just four league matches.
Neymar’s performance is under scrutiny as he aims to impress Brazil’s national team head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, in hopes of being selected for the upcoming summer World Cup. However, he was not included in Brazil’s squad for the March friendlies. Neymar expressed his disappointment during a Kings League Brazil broadcast, stating his commitment to improving and his hope for inclusion in future announcements.
Challenges for FC Cincinnati
Despite their ambitions, FC Cincinnati currently has no open designated player slots. Kévin Denkey, Miles Robinson, and Evander currently occupy the three designated player positions for the season, each under long-term contracts. Notably, Denkey attracted significant European interest earlier this year but remains with Cincy after a club-record acquisition cost of $16.1 million.
The MLS Landscape and Global Ambitions
Major League Soccer has been focusing on attracting high-profile talent in response to the commercial success seen following Lionel Messi’s arrival. This strategy aims to boost viewership ahead of crucial media rights negotiations set for the 2028 and 2029 seasons. The league’s current partnership with Apple concludes at the end of the 2028-29 period.
Recent arrivals in MLS include well-known figures such as Marco Reus (LA Galaxy), Hugo Lloris (LAFC), Thomas Müller (Vancouver), and Antoine Griezmann (Orlando City). As FC Cincinnati considers its next steps with Neymar, the club continues to explore opportunities to enhance its roster with global talents.
