Neymar’s Potential Move to MLS: The Best Fits
Soccer’s global icons continue to flock to Major League Soccer (MLS), and the latest name in the spotlight is Brazilian superstar Neymar. Currently playing with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, Neymar’s potential move to the U.S. has sparked significant interest, particularly among MLS fans. The Chicago Fire, who hold his "Discovery Rights," are among the teams showing keen interest. However, despite the interest, Chicago might not be the ideal fit for Neymar, given the team’s recent struggles and the lack of immediate prospects for a turnaround.
Chicago Fire: A Less Than Ideal Fit
The Chicago Fire, despite holding the "Discovery Rights," face significant hurdles in luring Neymar. The team has not made the playoffs since 2017 and finished last in the Eastern Conference in the last season. The recent appointment of former U.S. men’s national team (USMNT) manager Gregg Berhalter is a step toward improvement, but banking on a soon-to-be 33-year-old, injury-prone star might not be the best strategy. A player of Neymar’s caliber would likely seek a team with a more stable and successful foundation, which the Fire currently lack.
Inter Miami: The Obvious but Complicated Choice
When discussing Neymar’s potential move to MLS, Inter Miami immediately comes to mind. The club has already made a splash with signings such as Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, creating a star-studded lineup. However, Miami’s challenge lies in the league’s designated-player rules, which limit the number of high-salaried players a team can sign. Given the club’s current roster, finding a way to fit Neymar into the squad would be a logistical nightmare. Despite this, Inter Miami’s history of finding creative solutions to circumvent rules makes them a possibility, though a less likely one.
Orlando City: A Geographic and Tactical Fit
If Miami isn’t the destination, Orlando City could be a viable alternative. The team finished fourth in the Eastern Conference and had a respectable playoff run. The recent departure of rising star Facundo Torres to Brazil leaves a significant void that Neymar could fill. However, Orlando’s existing roster lacks the star power that could complement Neymar’s talents. Key players like Luis Muriel and Nicolas Lodeiro are aging, and while the team has shown promise, Neymar might need a more robust supporting cast to shine.
LAFC: A Team in Need of a Spark
LAFC, fresh off the success of their rivals the LA Galaxy, is another strong contender for Neymar. The team’s signing of French striker Olivier Giroud has yielded minimal results, with Giroud going scoreless in 14 MLS appearances. LAFC has also been linked to Antoine Griezmann, but Neymar could fit seamlessly into a similar role, either behind the striker or on the wing. Deniz Bouanga has been a focal point, and Neymar’s presence could rejuvenate both Giroud’s form and the team’s overall performance. LAFC narrowly finished first in the Western Conference but was upset in the playoffs. A star like Neymar could be the missing piece to push the team over the top.
New York Red Bulls: Building on Last Season’s Success
The New York Red Bulls made history last season by reaching the MLS Cup Final as a No. 7 seed, the lowest ever to do so. Despite falling short to the LA Galaxy, the team’s playoff run laid a strong foundation for future success. The recent loss of left-back John Tolkin to the Bundesliga is a setback, but the front office has the opportunity to bolster the team with a superstar like Neymar. Pairing Neymar with established players like Emil Forsberg and Lewis Morgan, while finding a suitable replacement for Tolkin, could propel the Red Bulls into the contending mix once again.
Columbus Crew: An Under-the-Radar Gem
While Columbus Crew might not offer the big-market appeal Neymar is often associated with, it could be an ideal fit from a playstyle and success perspective. Under manager Wilfried Nancy, the Crew have been one of the best teams in MLS, consistently competing for titles in both domestic and international competitions. Nancy’s 3-4-2-1 formation would allow Neymar to operate as an attacking midfielder alongside Diego Rossi, with star striker Cucho Hernández leading the line. Unlike Chicago’s uncertain future, Columbus offers a strong, stable environment that could maximize Neymar’s impact and add more trophies to his already impressive resume.
