FC Cincinnati has begun preliminary discussions with representatives for Neymar about a potential move to MLS, sources briefed on the situation confirmed, though the talks remain in their earliest stages.

Cincinnati is gauging the Brazilian forward's interest and requirements while holding internal conversations about whether pursuing the global star makes financial and sporting sense. No formal offer has been made.

The 34-year-old is currently under contract with Santos, his boyhood club in Brazil, through the end of 2026. The Chicago Fire held serious negotiations with Neymar when he departed Saudi club Al Hilal in 2025, but he ultimately signed with Santos and has since extended for an additional season.

A significant structural obstacle exists for Cincinnati. The club does not currently hold an open designated player slot, with Kevin Denkey, Miles Robinson and Evander occupying all three allotted positions under long-term contracts. None can be bought down to create space, though Denkey attracted considerable European interest during the winter transfer window. The Togolese striker joined the club for a record $16.1 million fee ahead of the 2025 season.

Cincinnati believes its financial resources and new facilities position the club as a credible destination for elite global talent. The club has previously explored deals for USMNT players Weston McKennie and Josh Sargent.

Neymar has shown encouraging form at Santos this year, recording three goals and two assists across his first four league appearances after helping the club avoid relegation at the end of 2025. He is working to earn a place in Brazil's World Cup squad under head coach Carlo Ancelotti, having been left out of March friendlies.

"Obviously I'm upset and sad not to have been selected," Neymar said via ESPN Brazil. "But the focus remains the same, day after day, training session after training session, match after match. The dream lives on."

The potential pursuit fits a broader MLS trend. Clubs across the league have aggressively targeted global names following the commercial success of Lionel Messi's arrival, with an eye toward growing audiences ahead of a media rights negotiation covering the 2028-29 cycle. Recent arrivals include Marco Reus at LA Galaxy, Son Heung-min and Hugo Lloris at LAFC, Thomas Muller at Vancouver and Antoine Griezmann, who is set to join Orlando City.