In a surprising turn of events, Brazilian superstar Neymar is reportedly being pursued by three Major League Soccer clubs, including the Chicago Fire, as speculation about his future in Saudi Arabia continues to grow.
The 32-year-old forward, currently playing for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, has had a disappointing stint with the club, failing to score in league play and making only three appearances. This lackluster performance has fueled rumors about his potential move to MLS, with multiple clubs showing interest in acquiring his services.
While Inter Miami has long been considered the frontrunner to sign Neymar, potentially reuniting him with his former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets, new manager Javier Mascherano has indicated that current MLS regulations make such a move challenging. This development has opened the door for other MLS teams, including the Chicago Fire, to enter the race for his signature.
The Chicago Fire, who have recently attracted attention with their ambitious recruitment plans under former USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter, declined to comment on the potential move. The news was first reported by Santi Aouna, with ESPN later confirming that two other MLS clubs are also in pursuit of the Brazilian star.
Neymar's track record speaks for itself, with an impressive 204 league goals in 340 appearances throughout his career. His playmaking abilities are equally noteworthy, having provided 83 assists during his time at PSG and Barcelona. However, potential suitors will need to consider his injury history, as he hasn't managed to play more than 25 matches in a season since his final campaign with Barcelona in 2016-17.
The Brazilian international's most memorable period came during his time at Barcelona, where he formed the legendary 'MSN' trio with Messi and Suarez, culminating in a Champions League victory in 2015. Busquets was also a crucial component of that successful team.
With Neymar's contract set to expire in June, speculation about his next destination will likely intensify in the coming months, potentially setting the stage for one of the most significant transfers in MLS history.
