Negotiations between FC Cincinnati and representatives for Neymar continue to advance, sources briefed on the situation told The Athletic, though significant roster and financial obstacles remain before any summer transfer could be completed.

Neymar, 34, has started and played the full 90 minutes in each of his last five Santos appearances, using the stretch to demonstrate his fitness ahead of a potential Brazil World Cup squad selection under coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The forward declined to confirm or deny the Cincinnati interest when asked directly by Brazilian media.

"I honestly don't know," Neymar said when questioned about FC Cincinnati and a possible summer departure.

Neymar has posted four goals and three assists across 854 minutes in all competitions this season, following 11 goals and four assists in just over 2,000 minutes last year. His Santos contract expires next winter.

A summer move would require Cincinnati to clear roster space by moving one of its three designated players, Evander, Kevin Denkey or Miles Robinson, all of whom are under contract and cannot have their salaries bought down below the designated player threshold.

Denkey has drawn the most concrete outside interest. European clubs pursued the striker this past winter, but Cincinnati would only engage in discussions if offers cleared $20 million, sources told The Athletic. Real Betis were among the clubs that made contact. Denkey arrived in Cincinnati ahead of the 2025 MLS season for a club-record $16.1 million fee.

Any deal structured for next winter, when Neymar's Santos contract expires naturally, would eliminate the roster complication entirely.