Three MLS teams have reportedly entered into talks for Al Hilal star Neymar, but Inter Miami is not one of them.
One of the most influential footballers of recent times, Neymar Júnior has left an indelible mark on fans around the world despite suffering significant injuries throughout his career. Recently, speculation has linked him with a possible move to MLS from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, and new developments emerged this Wednesday.
Which three MLS teams are in talks for Neymar?
According to ESPN's Jeff Carlisle, the 32-year-old forward is in preliminary talks with three MLS teams. One of these is Chicago Fire, but Inter Miami, surprisingly to many, is not. Sources in Brazil suggest Neymar still dreams of playing for The Herons, where he would reunite with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
The reason Inter Miami isn't trying to sign Neymar
As it stands, Inter Miami would not be able to afford the signing of Neymar, of which Javier Mascherano recently said: 'He is a great player and every coach in the world would want him. We know the salary cap rules in MLS, and right now that is impossible for us.” Nevertheless, the Brazilian star remains eager to move to South Florida.
Going forward, the coming months could be crucial in determining how the final stages of Neymar's career play out. The former Santos striker must first regain his physical condition after a cruciate ligament injury suffered in October 2023 in order to play for Al Hilal for the rest of the Saudi season. That would give him the best possible chance of returning to the Brazil squad for their next 2026 World Cup qualifiers; the five-time World Cup winners face Colombia and Argentina in March.
Romário: Neymar is crucial to Brazil's World Cup hopes
Neymar has regularly received praise from fellow Brazilian legends, with Romário recently addressing him on the Charla Podcast: “Brazil only has a chance to win the World Cup if Neymar plays. I repeat what I said before: Brazil first played for Garrincha, in 1970 for Pelé, in 1994 for Romário and in 2002 for Ronaldo. If they don't play for Neymar in 2026, they won't become champions.”
Together with other talents such as Raphinha, Vinicius and Rodrygo, the former Barcelona striker sees the Al Hilal playmaker as the key to regaining the most prestigious football title on North American soil in the summer of 2026.
Original article written by Diego Mayel Ibarra, translated with the help of AI and edited by Roddy Cons.
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