With a contract with Santos only until the end of 2025, Neymar has not yet defined his future for next season. The uncertain scenario has generated speculation about the player’s next steps. Among the most talked about rumors is the possibility of a transfer to United States football.
Inter Miami, which has a history of bringing together Messi’s former teammates, such as Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Rodrigo de Paul, is one of the main names. However, according to behind-the-scenes information, only a personal request from Messi could convince the board to invest in Neymar.
MORE: Neymar complains when being substituted in Flamengo x Santos: “Are you going to take me away?”
Can Neymar go to MLS?
Despite the friendship between Messi and Neymar, the Brazilian’s arrival is seen as unlikely at the moment. Sources close to MLS point out that enthusiasm surrounding a possible signing of number 10 is low among managers and scouts.
According to ESPN, most MLS executives do not see the point in making a big bet on Neymar. The main reason is the lack of confidence that the attacker can recover his best level and maintain a physical and technical sequence that justifies the high investment.
Internally, the profile considered ideal by many American clubs is that of South Korean Son Heung-min, who currently plays for Los Angeles FC. The Asian striker has been praised for his professionalism, regularity and low injury rate.
Also according to ESPN, sources close to the Chicago Fire, a team that recently showed interest in the striker, stated that the team treated the non-signing as a “release”, as they believe that the player could generate more headaches than positive results on the field.
Injuries and controversies during his time at Santos
Since returning to Santos at the beginning of the year, Neymar has dealt with consecutive physical problems. The number 10 participated in just 23 matches, of which he played the full 90 minutes in just eight of them. In total, he contributed with six goals and three assists.
Frustration grew after the episode last Sunday (9), in Santos’ 3-2 defeat to Flamengo, at Maracanã. Replaced by coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda, Neymar left the pitch irritated, went straight to the dressing room and publicly criticized his teammates and the coach.
Santos lives under pressure
With 33 points and occupying 17th place in the Brasileirão, Santos is trying to escape the relegation zone and seeks a response on the field. The next opportunity will be on Saturday (15), at 9pm (Brasília time), at Vila Belmiro, against Palmeiras.
The Santos team is just two points behind 16th place, Vitória, the first team outside the Z-4. With just six rounds remaining before the end of the championship, the moment Peixe is experiencing is one of pressure.
Santos’ numbers in the 2025 Brazilian Championship
- 33 points won
- 8 wins
- 9 draws
- 15 defeats
- 33 goals scored
- 48 goals conceded
MORE: Neymar rants against Flamengo x Santos referee: “I don’t even know who he is”
