Neymar stuns MLS with Messi contract DEMAND

Suraj Radia

Updated: 16 Jan 2025 13:52 CST
3 min read

Neymar could join Lionel Messi in MLS but the Brazilian superstar has reportedly stunned Chicago Fire after demanding a contract more lucrative than that of his former Barcelona teammate.

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Al-Hilal are willing to part ways with Neymar after an injury-plagued 18 months for the Saudi Pro League side, where he has only made seven appearances, scoring once.

The 32-year-old moved to Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain for a Saudi League record of €90 million but he soon ruptured his ACL and has since been de-registered by the club as a foreign player.

Neymar’s contract is set to expire in the summer but Al-Hilal are willing to terminate it early, leading to an approach from Chicago Fire to sign the forward.

The MLS side met with Neymar’s father in Europe, as well as his advisor Pini Zahavi, and are willing to offer a contract similar to Messi’s at Inter Miami.

However, L’Equipe are reporting that Neymar’s father wants ‘much more’ for his son, who is expected to receive €70m from his remaining contract at Al-Hilal.

© IMAGO - Neymar is set to leave Al-Hilal this year.

Will Neymar move to MLS?

After being told he could leave Al-Hilal, Neymar was approached by Inter Miami over a potential link-up with Messi but they are unable to finance a deal due to their salary commitments to players such as Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.

Consequently, Chicago Fire looked to entice Neymar with their project but a deal may prove difficult due to the veteran’s contract demands, leaving other clubs to try their luck.

Chicago are understood to own Neymar’s discovery rights, giving them priority over negotiations, however an MLS side can pay a nominal fee to own the conditions themselves.

Teams are still allowed to approach Neymar in the meantime even if Chicago have first refusal but a fee may be involved, such as the $400,000 given by LA Galaxy to Charlotte FC for the rights to Marco Reus last summer.

Neymar’s injury status and wage demands mean that there are not a long list of clubs willing to splash the cash on his contract but a move to America could still be on the cards as negotiations continue.