Neymar Jr. has ended transfer discussions with FC Cincinnati, frustrated by what he perceived as a glacial negotiation process that never produced an actual offer. The Brazilian forward is now looking at alternatives, and an MLS move immediately after the 2026 World Cup appears unlikely.

The conversations between Neymar’s camp and Cincinnati kicked off in April 2026, with the MLS club reportedly trying to gauge the player’s interest and financial expectations. Two months later, on June 25, Neymar pulled the plug. The reason: no formal offer ever landed on the table.

A deal that never really was

Neymar, still under contract with Santos through the end of 2026, clearly expected more urgency from a club that initiated contact. The breakdown doesn’t just close the Cincinnati door. It appears to have cooled Neymar’s interest in MLS as an immediate post-World Cup destination entirely. He remains open to opportunities if the financial terms align, but the timeline has shifted from “right after the tournament” to something more open-ended.

The bigger picture for MLS ambitions

Neymar’s last appearance for the Brazil national team came in October 2023, a detail that adds context to his market value. Injuries have significantly disrupted his career over the past few years, making any club’s investment calculus more complicated.

What this means for investors watching sports and crypto

A 2021 NFT licensing deal with NFTSTAR linked his brand to the blockchain world, though that arrangement has no connection to the current transfer saga. No crypto assets, fan tokens, or blockchain protocols were involved in the Cincinnati discussions.

Neymar’s next move remains genuinely uncertain. His Santos contract expires at the end of 2026, the World Cup could showcase renewed fitness and form, and the right offer from any league could change the calculus overnight.