Is Neymar still a fit for europe? Neymar’s future takes a new twist

December 3, 2025 Oliver Obel

Neymar’s future is once again up for debate as he plays through lingering knee problems while trying to steady a struggling Santos side. His return to Brazil in January, after Al-Hilal ended his contract during his long rehabilitation from ligament damage, has given the club a lift but it’s also reignited questions about where his career goes from here.

With his deal running into its later stages and free agency approaching in 2026, speculation has naturally resurfaced. He has featured in recent weeks despite discomfort, and that determination has only fueled the discussion around possible next steps.

Premier League talk, but doubts remain

One option occasionally floated in Europe is a return to a major league including England. Manchester United have been linked to Neymar in the past, though it’s unclear whether anyone at Old Trafford is seriously considering the idea today.

Former United forward Louis Saha offered a more cautious perspective when speaking to Pundit Arena. “If you asked me six months ago, I’d have loved Neymar at Manchester United. But right now, he seems fragile, or injured. Maybe he’s lost his spark,” he said.

Saha noted that he once saw the Brazilian as an ideal attacking addition, but his view has shifted. “United need players who will sacrifice themselves for the team, who are in love with the club. I’m not sure Neymar is the man to offer that to United at this point in his career.”

It’s a sentiment shared quietly by some around the club, who feel United’s recruitment under Ruben Amorim has increasingly emphasized consistency and physical reliability.

MLS rumors and the allure of Miami

On the other side of the Atlantic, the idea of Neymar joining MLS continues to circulate, particularly the possibility of linking up again with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez at Inter Miami. Whether that reunion is realistic is more complicated.

Former USMNT goalkeeper Brad Friedel gave a balanced assessment when speaking to GOAL. “If Neymar is fit, then I think it works… he’s still a huge name in certain parts of the US,” he said. But he also noted the risk: “If he’s not fit and he’s injured a lot, then it becomes a negative media-driven reality.”

Friedel suggested that a tiered, performance-based contract would almost certainly be part of any conversation. And he pointed to how Messi’s arrival reshaped Miami’s presence in the city seemingly overnight, Inter Miami gear became impossible to miss. “If Neymar came, it would add to that,” he said.

Meanwhile, United look elsewhere

Regardless of Neymar’s own next chapter, Manchester United appear focused on other priorities. The club sits seventh in the Premier League after 13 matches and has struggled to find rhythm under Amorim. Reinforcements in January seem likely.

Saha highlighted one move that is already paying off: the summer signing of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, which he described as one of the smartest pieces of business in the league this year. He credited Mbeumo with raising United’s energy and consistency in a squad still trying to redefine itself.

United may continue to build in that direction, targeting players who match the team’s evolving identity. Whether Neymar fits into that vision now or later remains far from certain.

Sources: GOAL, Pundit Arena.