The Athletic exclusively reported that Cincinnati FC has begun discussions with the agents of Neymar regarding a possible transfer..
2026-04-11 08:00
The Athletic's resident renowned North Americann soccer chief news editor Felipe Cardenas exclusively reported on Friday that Cincinnati FC has begun discussions with the agents of Brazil international striker Neymar regarding a possible transfer.
According to Cardenas, negotiations surrounding the Brazilian star are still in the very early stages.
Cincinnati FC is gauge Neymar's willingness to play in the Major League Soccer (MLS) and the requirements for completing the transfer, while also internally discussing whether signing the world-class superstar is a wise move.
Cincinnati FC believes itself to be an ideal destination for world-class and US national team stars, and is convinced that its strong financial resources and brand-new facilities are highly attractive to a star like Neymar.
It's worth mentioning that the club has previously explored several potential transfer opportunities, most notably US international midfielder Weston McKennie, who is currently playing for Juventus.
Cincinnati FC also explored the possibility of signing U.S. international striker Josh Sargent from Norwich City, but the player has since joined Toronto FC.
However, it's still too early to speculate on whether this transfer will go through.
Neymar's contract with his current and boyhood club, Santos, is still valid, running until the end of 2026.
Cardenas added that besides Cincinnati FC, Chicago Fire had also previously held serious talks with Neymar.
At the time, he had just left Al-Hilal in 2025, but ultimately chose to return to Santos, signing a short-term contract and subsequently extending it for another season.
It's worth mentioning that Cardenas made no mention in his report of the long-standing online rumours which claimed that Inter Miami had also approached Neymar.
This likely means that the rumours were never true!
This is merely the work of malicious rumourmongers who deliberately link his name with former Barcelona teammates: Leo Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba together for sensationalism!
The 34-year-old Neymar helped his club avoid relegation by the end of 2025. He has played over 2000 minutes in all competitions, contributing 11 goals and 4 assists.
This year, Neymar has already scored 3 goals and provided 2 assists in his first four appearances in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.
Neymar has publicly stated his desire to prove to Brazil national team head coach Carlo Ancelotti that he is in good health and form before the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico this summer.
However, Carlo Ancelotti did not call up Neymar to the Seleção squad during the recent March international break.
Image source: Internet / The Athletic
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