While Fire are reportedly in active discussions with Neymar, other global clubs also in preliminary talks
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Fire emerge as contender for NeymarMLS side willing to offer him Messi-esque contractChicago have MLS rights to negotiate for NeymarGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowWHAT HAPPENED?
The Chicago Fire have reportedly emerged as the lone MLS team in "active" talks with Neymar over a transfer to the United States. The Fire, managed by former U.S. men's national team coach Gregg Berhalter, own the 32-year-old's Discovery Rights, according to GiveMeSport.
As a result, they are the only MLS club allowed to officially approach him over a stateside transfer. Another MLS team would have to purchase Neymar's Discovery Rights before trying to sign the player.
The report adds that the Fire are prepared to hand the Brazil star a contract similar to that of Inter Miami star Lionel Messi, who made $20,446,667.00 in guaranteed compensation in 2024 – along with endorsements and sponsorship bonuses. However, Neymar's camp reportedly has asked for a higher salary than the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. At Al-Hilal, his current club in Saudi Arabia, he makes around $100M per season – a figure that is not an option for any MLS side.
Santi Aouna was the first to report on the Fire's talks with the Brazilian, while ESPN reported Neymar is in talks with three MLS teams over possible move. The Fire declined to comment on a potential move when GOAL reached out.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Neymar is an anomaly in world soccer, having peaked as one of the most talented footballers of this generation during his time at FC Barcelona alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, while plying his trade with the on the international stage. Neymar played with Suarez and Messi at the Catalan club from 2014-2017, with the trio scoring a staggering 364 goals across all competitions.
The Brazilian is being looked at by some of world soccer's powerhouses. Inter Miami had previously emerged as a contender for the Brazilian's signature, but at MLS Media Day in January, manager Javier Mascherano said it would be "impossible" to sign him due to MLS Salary Cap rules.
The Brazil star, meanwhile, has struggled to stay healthy since his move to Saudi Arabia in 2023. The forward tore his ACL on international duty just months after his arrival, being sidelined for 330 days with the Saudi side before returning this past fall – but then was sidelined with hamstring injury in November.
His contract with Al Hilal expires in June 2025, but at the moment, he is unregistered in their domestic roster due to roster guidelines surrounding foreign players. He is only a member of their Asian Champions League roster at the moment. He was unregistered from their roster after the injury setback in November, which is normal operation from a club standpoint.
Saudi dealmakers reportedly do not want to see the Brazilian leave, and are looking to find a solution to keep him in the Saudi Pro League, whether that is with Al-Hilal or a different club. The Middle Eastern nation has ambitions to make him an ambassador for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
DID YOU KNOW?
Since arriving in Saudi Arabia in in 2023, the Brazilian, who turns 33 on Friday, has only made seven appearances due to injury. Since 2016-17, the winger has not played in more than 25 matches per-season due to injury.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR NEYMAR AND CHICAGO?
The Fire are currently in the midst of their first MLS preseason under Berhalter, with the team in their first week of camp. They play Brazilian club Fortaleza on Sunday in their first friendly ahead of the 2025 MLS campaign.
Neymar, meanwhile, is still recovering from his injury. Al-Hilal's next Asian Champions League match is on Feb. 4 against Persepolis.
