The MLS clubs most likely to sign Neymar after the World Cup | OneFootball

MLS has long courted global stars, and Neymar could be the next marquee arrival after the World Cup, with three clubs emerging as the likeliest landing spots.

After leaving Paris Saint-Germain in August 2023, he made only seven appearances for Al-Hilal due to injury, then returned to boyhood club Santos in January 2025. Santos narrowly avoided Brasileirão relegation last season and he is currently injured ahead of a supposed World Cup swansong. With his deal expiring in December, FanSided.com says MLS interest centres on Chicago Fire, Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati.

Chicago Fire previously held talks with his camp before that Santos move and were willing to match Lionel Messi’s Miami salary of $20 million a year. Owner Joe Mansueto has spent heavily, signing Hugo Cuypers for $12 million and Xherdan Shaqiri for $7.5 million.

Inter Miami look an obvious lure, given Messi’s presence and a recruitment pattern featuring Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suárez, with Tata Martino and Javier Mascherano previously in charge. Messi extended through 2028 as Nu Stadium opened, and Neymar could be tempted. Miami currently have no DP slots, taken by De Paul, Messi and Germán Berterame.

Cincinnati have also been linked, with suggestions talks are progressing. Asked about it, Neymar said he did not know, and belief is growing he could move in 2026. Any deal would likely mean selling a DP, namely Miles Robinson, Evander or Kévin Denkey, with strong interest in Denkey after his $16 million arrival from Cercle Brugge.

Source: FanSided.com