Could one of the world’s biggest soccer stars be headed to the United States?
According to reporter Santi Aouna of Foot Mercato, the Chicago Fire have opened up talks with Saudi club Al-Hilal to sign Brazilian megastar Neymar to a permanent deal. The report also includes that the MLS club would give Neymar a two-year contract.
Neymar will turn 33 this upcoming February. He’s been with Al-Hilal since August of 2023. His time with the club has not gone very well. In 2023-24, Neymar made only five appearances for the club — notching one goal and three assists in 386 minutes. After suffering a ligament tear in October of 2023, Neymar has made only two appearances this past year (totaling 41 minutes on the pitch).
Al-Hilal paid 90 million euros to PSG for Neymar’s services. Neymar himself was reportedly paid $100 million each year for the last two seasons. During that time, he’s combined to make $200 million after playing a total of seven matches (one goal, three assists total).
Suffice it to say, that this deal has been a disaster for the Saudi club. Neymar’s standing as one of the world’s best has also fallen off the proverbial cliff.
At this point, one has to wonder how much he has left in the tank. Chicago is willing to take a gamble on someone who could theoretically still be a major offensive threat in a league not known for sound defending.
Neymar will surely make the club a considerable amount of money should he end up in Chicago. Ironically, he would be playing under the managerial duties of ex-USMNT gaffer Gregg Berhalter. He’d also join the likes of Lionel Messi and others who’ve left a more pressure-packed European schedule in favor of a lighter, less competitive league.
