Chicago Fire in Talks for Neymar Transfer to MLS

Chicago Fire are reportedly in discussions to sign Brazil striker Neymar from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in a surprising move to Major League Soccer. The 32-year-old, whose contract with Al-Hilal ends this summer after a two-year stint in the Saudi Pro League has sparked interest from the MLS club. While talks continue, sources suggest the deal remains complicated and the transfer is not imminent.

Neymar will not register for the second half of the Saudi season, leaving him to decide his next move. The MLS transfer window opens on January 31 and runs until April 23, during which time Chicago Fire could finalize their approach. Under MLS regulations, Fire have currently placed Neymar on their Discovery List, meaning no other club can negotiate with him unless Chicago agrees.

Neymar, who joined Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain for a record £77 million in 2023 has endured an injury-riddled stint in Saudi Arabia. After tearing his cruciate ligament in October 2023, Neymar made just seven appearances for Al-Hilal, scoring one goal. His time in Saudi Arabia has been far from ideal especially compared to his successful career at Barcelona and PSG where he won multiple league titles and the Champions League.

With Neymar excluded from Al-Hilal’s squad for the second half of the Saudi Pro League season, his future remains uncertain. Al-Hilal’s manager, Jorge Jesus confirmed that Neymar will only play in the Asian Champions League but the player’s next steps remain unclear. As the Brazilian striker weighs his options, MLS offers a potential new chapter.