FC Cincinnati has opened exploratory talks aimed at bringing Brazilian superstar Neymar to Major League Soccer, according to a source familiar with the discussions.

The MLS club has contacted representatives of the Santos forward to gauge his interest in a potential move to the United States and to understand the financial parameters required for such a deal. The approach is described as preliminary, with Cincinnati seeking clarity on whether Neymar would consider MLS as his next major career step.

Neymar is currently under contract with Santos through the end of 2026, having extended his agreement with the Brazilian club by an additional year. Any transfer would therefore require significant negotiation and a substantial financial package, both in terms of transfer fee and salary, to satisfy Santos and the player.

Despite the early-stage nature of the talks, the inquiry underscores MLS’s growing ambition to attract global stars in the twilight of their peak years rather than at the very end of their careers. Cincinnati, one of the league’s more progressive and upwardly mobile clubs, appears eager to test the limits of what is possible in the current MLS roster and salary structure.

Neymar’s long-term future has been the subject of speculation, with expectations in Brazil that any major decision would likely come after the 2026 World Cup. His international status remains uncertain. He has not featured for Brazil since late 2023, though national team coach Carlo Ancelotti has maintained that Neymar would be in contention for selection if fully fit.

Fitness is a central question. Neymar has been sidelined from Santos’ squad for the past two weeks with a knee problem, restricting him to six appearances this year, in which he has still managed three goals and three assists. Santos coach Cuca recently revealed that the forward underwent a minor knee procedure during the international break, describing it as a move to ensure he would be “raring to go” in the lead-up to the World Cup.

On the field, Brazil’s recent form has been mixed, with a narrow friendly defeat to France followed by a convincing win over Croatia. The possibility of Neymar returning to prominence for club and country now intersects with Cincinnati’s bold attempt to lure one of the sport’s most recognizable figures to MLS.