Report: FC Cincinnati exploring blockbuster Neymar move

FC Cincinnati has started preliminary discussions with representatives for Brazilian star Neymar about a potential move to MLS, sources told The Athletic's Tom Bogert and Paul Tenorio.

Talks surrounding the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker are at an early stage as the club determines Neymar's interest, Bogert and Tenorio added. Cincinnati is also having internal discussions about a potential move for the 34-year-old and if it makes sense for the club.

Cincinnati doesn't currently have a vacant Designated Player spot, with Kevin Denkey, Miles Robinson, and Evander claiming the three slots.

Neymar, who is currently playing in Brazil with his boyhood club, Santos, is under contract with the three-time Copa Libertadores winners through 2026.

The Chicago Fire had negotiations with Neymar when he departed Saudi side Al Hilal in 2025 before he inked a short-term deal with Santos. Neymar experienced a return to form and helped Santos avoid relegation to the second tier of Brazilian football. He then extended his stay in Brazil by another season with fresh terms.

Neymar has three goals and a pair of assists in four appearances this season as he tries to earn a spot in Carlo Ancelotti's World Cup squad. "Obviously I’m upset and sad not to have been selected," Neymar told ESPN Brazil after he wasn't included for recent friendlies against France and Croatia.

Neymar is Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, two more than Pele, and his 128 caps are second only to iconic full-back Cafu (142).