Throughout the Qatar Sports Investments era at Paris Saint-Germain, the goal has been to win the UEFA Champions League. The closest PSG came was during the 2019-20 season when they reached the final against FC Bayern Munich. Leading the charge for PSG was Neymar Jr., but since then, the Brazilian has seen his career take a downturn, and now, he faces a difficult decision about his future.
Neymar left PSG in the summer of 2023 for Al-Hilal for a staggering transfer fee of €90 million. It was brilliant business from PSG, considering his unfortunate injury history. Like curacao casinos accepting UK players, Neymar is now looking for a new home to take him. Things haven’t worked out in the Saudi Pro League, and Neymar now has interest from his boyhood club and Major League Soccer.
The Chicago Fire holds Neymar’s negotiating rights and is the only MLS team that can approach the 32-year-old regarding a transfer. The two sides aren’t close to a deal and all talks are preliminary at this point, but it’s an interesting option considering Neymar’s good friend from his time at FC Barcelona and PSG, Lionel Messi, suits up for Inter Miami and has experienced success.
The other option for Neymar, and the one that seems more likely at this point, is a loan to Santos FC. It’s the club where Neymar got his start, and there are a lot more sentimental feelings about a return to Santos than, say, a new adventure in Chicago. This isn’t the first time Neymar has hinted at a return to Santos, either.
Neymar to MLS would indeed generate a lot of media attention. Being in the same league as Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez would elevate the league and could help Neymar regain fitness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. However, it does come with some drawbacks.
The first issue is that several MLS teams still play on artificial turf. Atlanta United, Charlotte FC, New England Revolution, Portland Timbers, Seattle Sounders, and Vancouver Whitecaps all have artificial turf, which some studies show can cause more injuries than playing on natural grass. Neymar has been plagued by injuries, and the last thing he should do is risk that by playing on artificial turf.
The other issue with a potential move to MLS is the travel. Teams are spread across the United States and Canada, and travel can impact fitness and performance levels. Again, considering Neymar is trying to make the Brazil national team for the World Cup, he needs every advantage he can get and traveling from Chicago to Miami, Los Angelos, Foxborough, and Seattle isn’t ideal.
The best situation for Neymar is back home at Santos where he is familiar with his surroundings and the league. Hopefully, he can get his career back on track and shine in what will likely be his last World Cup.