The former Barcelona forward is set for face-to-face talks as the MLS side pursue summer move for Brazilian icon
FC Cincinnati have reportedly escalated their pursuit of Neymar Jr., with the player’s father expected to lead high-level negotiations in the United States this week to discuss a potential blockbuster transfer.
The ambitious MLS outfit has moved quickly to formalise their interest following initial reports of a preliminary enquiry last Thursday.
According to sources at ESPN Brazil, a delegation from the Ohio-based club, including co-CEO Jeff Berding and general manager Chris Albright, will meet with Neymar’s representatives and a specialist legal team to navigate the complex financial landscape of the deal.
Central to these discussions is the management of the 34-year-old’s extensive image rights and the logistical challenge of Cincinnati’s roster structure.
The club currently have all three Designated Player slots occupied by long-term contracts, meaning a creative solution or a significant squad reshuffle would be required to facilitate the arrival of the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star.
While Neymar is currently under contract with his boyhood club, Santos, until the end of the 2026 calendar year, Cincinnati are reportedly pushing for an earlier arrival.
The “Orange and Blue” are targeting a marquee signing during the MLS summer transfer window, ideally following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.
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Frustration at Santos amidst Sudamericana stalemate
The intensification of these transfer talks coincides with a period of mounting tension for Neymar in his native Brazil.
On Tuesday evening, the striker scored the opening goal for Santos in a Copa Sudamericana group stage encounter with Deportivo Recoleta, only for the match to end in a disappointing 1-1 draw.
As the team exited the pitch at the Vila Belmiro to a chorus of boos, Neymar was involved in a brief confrontation with a section of the home support.
Speaking to ESPN Brazil after the incident, the veteran forward attempted to bridge the gap between the squad and the increasingly restless fanbase.
“We made mistakes. We all made mistakes; it happens. I think we created plenty of chances. We played well, we certainly didn’t play poorly,” Neymar remarked.
“The fans get nervous and demand that we play harder, but our team is playing and creating opportunities. I understand the frustration, but they have to realize that football is like this, sometimes the ball just doesn’t go in.”
Pushing for a spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the upcoming World Cup, Neymar has recorded four goals in eight games across all competitions following his return from injury.