Neymar ends his contract with Santos in December 2025 and faces uncertainty for the next season. Rumors about a transfer to Major League Soccer have gained strength in recent months, especially with possible interest from Inter Miami, Lionel Messi’s club. However, most elite North American teams show little enthusiasm for signing the Brazilian striker.
Managers and scouts consulted highlight concerns about the recent history of injuries and lack of regularity. Only a direct request from Messi could make his arrival at Inter Miami possible, which has already brought together former teammates such as Suárez, Busquets and Alba. Other clubs prioritize more consistent profiles on the field.
Santos occupies 17th place in the Brasileirão with 33 points and faces Palmeiras on Saturday, November 15th, at 9pm, in Vila Belmiro.
General lack of interest in MLS
North American league clubs avoid large investments in Neymar due to distrust over his ability to recover.
Scouts point out that the Brazilian does not guarantee financial or sporting returns after repeated injuries.
Sources indicate that the high salary required worsens rejection in a market that values durability.
Chicago Fire Case
The Chicago Fire showed initial interest in the forward in early 2025.
Talks advanced in January, when the club was one of three MLS clubs in preliminary negotiations.
Now, behind the scenes, the franchise treats the non-signing as a complete relief.
The team understands that Neymar would represent high expenses without the expected delivery on the field.
Ideal profile for the league
Scouts praise athletes with low injury rates and maintenance of level after long careers in Europe.
Son Heung-min, signed by Los Angeles FC, exemplifies this model.
The South Korean arrived in August 2025 for a record fee and has already scored eight goals in eight MLS games.
His rapid adaptation includes hat tricks and individual awards in the season.
Neymar’s numbers at Santos
The striker has played 23 matches since returning to the club in January.
Complete 90 minutes in just eight games throughout the year.
Records six goals scored and three assists provided.
Frequent injuries limit your participation in sequences of matches.
- Total games: 23
- Full minutes: 8
- Goals: 6
- Assists: 3
Recent field reaction
Neymar played 85 minutes in the 3-2 defeat to Flamengo at Maracanã, on November 9.
Questioned the substitution by coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda in the 39th minute of the second half.
Left the pitch directly to the locker room without following the end of the game.
Complained about the lack of passes in the final third during a half-time interview.
He screamed at defender Zé Ivaldo for the third red-black goal.
Friendship with Messi
The close relationship with the Argentine fuels speculation about Inter Miami.
Messi influences signings of former partners at the Florida club.
Rodrigo de Paul was the last addition to the squad in recent moves.
However, MLS salary rules complicate high-value deals without exceptions.
Comparison with Son
Son maintains high performance after years in the Premier League.
Records an average of 1.13 goals per 90 minutes in the current MLS season.
Contribute with chav passesand high success rate in submissions.
LAFC benefits from its consistency in playoffs and playoff games.
The South Korean transforms the team’s culture with personality and regularity.
His transfer cost 26.5 million dollars and is already winning awards such as goal of the year.
Contractual status
Current contract ends on December 31, 2025.
Previous renewals took place in June, extending for six months.
Santos renegotiated image debts until 2026 without rushing for a new agreement.
Future depends on physical recovery and concrete proposals for 2026.