Neymar Jr. could make a surprise switch in the coming weeks to stay in contention for Brazil’s final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has had a mixed time since returning to his native country from Al-Hilal, scoring 11 goals in 28 matches and helping Santos avoid relegation this season, but suffering from a string of injuries during that period.
So, where could Neymar be headed next, with the Brazilian season already over and not restarting until mid-February?
Neymar Could Make a Surprise Switch to MLS To Keep World Cup Dream Alive
MLS has been a destination for some of the sport’s biggest names in recent years, and Neymar could be next in line. According to AS (via ESPN), he is seeking a move away from Brazil so that he can stay in the best shape ahead of the FIFA World Cup in North America next year.
The 33-year-old has struggled with his hamstring in the last 12 months and is now scheduled to undergo knee surgery in the coming weeks. After that, he is believed to be aiming for a berth in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the World Cup.
Neymar could also reportedly consider a move back to Europe for six months or even stay with Santos, his childhood club, beyond the end of this year. His current deal runs until the end of next month, after which he will become a free agent.
MLS giants Inter Miami, who have recently signed the likes of Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, are reportedly linked with the Brazilian forward.
Neymar Uncertain About Santos’ Future Amid MLS Links
Neymar Jr. was asked to address his future at Santos after his team’s 3-0 win over Cruzeiro on December 8, which saved them from relegation and helped them qualify for the Copa Sudamericana. He famously came through the youth ranks at the Brazilian club before earning a blockbuster transfer to Barcelona in 2013.
Neymar helped them earn a handful of trophies during his first stint there, including their famous Copa Libertadores triumph in 2010/11.
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He hasn’t reached the same heights since his return to the club, and the player himself is unsure whether he will still be at Vila Belmiro come January.
“The truth is that I don’t know, I still don’t know [future at Santos]. I asked them to wait until after these games, until the end of the championship. Now I want to take at least a week off, travel, forget about soccer and then I’ll think about it. Obviously, my heart always belongs to Santos, I will always put Santos first. But let’s see what’s best for everyone”, said Neymar (via AS).
Neymar is Brazil’s all-time top goal-scorer with 79 goals in 128 matches. Having won virtually every major trophy on offer during his career, he will now hope to add the World Cup to his collection.
