Neymar has finally spoken out about those persistent rumors linking him with a move to Major League Soccer. The Brazilian star is tired of the talk. After Santos dropped a 2-1 result against Corinthians on April 12, he decided to set the record straight about his future at the Vila Belmiro.
It’s been a rough ride back in Brazil for the legendary forward. He returned to his boyhood club with a lot of hope in early 2025. But the reality on the pitch hasn’t matched the hype. His latest outing ended in more frustration and another physical setback that has fans worried.
During his post-match interview, he didn’t hold back. He called the reports “baseless noise” and insisted he’s focused on helping Santos get back to the top. According to Globo Esporte, Neymar looked visibly annoyed when the topic of Inter Miami came up. He wants people to stop talking about transfers while he’s still struggling to stay fit.
Frustration at the Vila Belmiro
The game against Corinthians was a disaster for Neymar. He played 68 minutes but didn’t do much. Just one shot. And then the familiar sight happened. He started clutching his leg and had to be subbed off. It’s that same hamstring issue that’s been bothering him all year.
He’s only managed 12 appearances in 2026. Four goals is a decent return for most, but not for him. Expectations are just different when your name is Neymar Jr. And the team is struggling too. Santos is sitting 7th in their Paulista group. That’s not where they should be.
The injury is the biggest hurdle. He’s already missed 10 games this season. It’s hard to build any rhythm when you’re constantly in the treatment room. But he’s adamant that he’s staying. “I’m here for Santos,” he told reporters after the match. He wants to play before he thinks about leaving.
The Miami Connection and Agent Meetings
Even with his denial, the rumors aren’t going away. His agent, Wagner Ribeiro, has been busy. Reports from BBC Sport mention that no formal bid has been made yet. But that doesn’t mean there hasn’t been talking. Ribeiro was spotted in Miami back in March.
Inter Miami is the obvious destination. They have the Messi pull. Everyone knows Neymar and Messi want to play together again. It’s the dream for MLS. And ESPN Brasil reported that Miami made an informal inquiry recently. They wanted to know if he’d be open to a summer move.
Ribeiro tried to calm things down on social media. He posted on X saying that the MLS rumors are “premature.” He says his client is focused on Santos. But agents always say that. It keeps the leverage on their side. And the fans in Miami are already buying jerseys with his name on the back.
Neymar Career Transfer History
| Year | From | To | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Santos | Barcelona | €88m |
| 2017 | Barcelona | PSG | €222m |
| 2023 | PSG | Al-Hilal | €90m |
| 2025 | Al-Hilal | Santos | Free |
Contract Realities and the Release Clause
Moving Neymar isn’t easy. He signed a new deal with Santos in December 2025. That contract goes until 2027. He’s making €25 million a year. That is a massive salary for a Brazilian club to pay. It’s a huge financial burden for Santos, especially with their current form.
There is also a €100 million release clause. Nobody in MLS is going to pay that. Not even Inter Miami. If a deal happens, it will have to be for much less. Most analysts think €30 million or €40 million is more realistic. Santos might be forced to sell if they need the cash.
The financials are complicated. MLS has strict rules, but they have the Designated Player slots. One is open in Miami. People think Messi might retire soon, so they need a new face for the league. Neymar fits the bill perfectly. He’s a global brand. He moves the needle for Apple TV.
“Neymar is focused on Santos. MLS rumours are premature.” — Wagner Ribeiro via X.
What happens next for Neymar
The next few months are going to be wild. If his hamstring keeps acting up, Santos might decide to cut their losses. They can’t afford to pay €25 million for a player who is always hurt. But Neymar is a club legend. Selling him would cause a riot among the supporters.
Fabrizio Romano says the “here we go” is only at 10% right now. That’s low. He thinks Neymar wants to leave a legacy at Santos before he goes to America. But the lure of Miami is strong. Ronaldinho even weighed in. He thinks the MLS would be good for Neymar’s family life.
Summer 2026 is the date everyone is watching. The transfer window opens on July 1. If Santos continues to struggle in the league, the pressure to sell will grow. And Neymar might decide he’s had enough of the physical play in Brazil. For now, he’s staying put. But in football, things change fast. Especially when Miami is involved.
He needs to get healthy first. That is the priority. Without fitness, no one is going to buy him. The medical staff at Santos has a big job to do. They need to figure out why his hamstrings keep failing. If they can’t fix it, his career might be heading for a quiet end instead of a big finish in the States.
