Inter Miami rule out Neymar move as Brazilian weighs his next step
A return to Santos FC was supposed to give Neymar Jr the stability he lacked during an injury-hit spell at Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. Instead, his name has remained a constant feature in transfer discussion, in part because of shifting priorities across the clubs linked to him.
For months, speculation centered on the idea of Neymar reuniting with Lionel Messi in Major League Soccer. The theory gained traction when Inter Miami created two Designated Player, or DP, openings.
DP slots are a mechanism that allows MLS teams to sign a small number of high-salary stars outside the league’s usual wage restrictions. That system has historically brought global names like David Beckham, Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimović to the United States.
Miami’s new direction
According to the Spanish outlet Diario Sport, Inter Miami have decided not to pursue Neymar when he becomes a free agent in January 2026. The report states that the club plans to allocate its DP spaces to positions viewed as more pressing, rather than adding another marquee attacker.
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Miami’s recruitment strategy has shifted toward reinforcing the spine of the team. A new striker remains high on the agenda, as does a more stable defensive pairing. Luis Suarez, now in the twilight of his career, continues to contribute but cannot carry heavy minutes. Meanwhile, fluctuating performances from younger defenders Gonzalo Lujan and Tomas Aviles have prompted Miami to explore options that could provide a more reliable partner for Maximiliano Falcón.
Neymar’s options narrowing
With Miami stepping out of the picture, Neymar faces a less predictable landscape. His contract with Santos expires in December 2025. Santos, one of Brazil’s historically dominant clubs, have endured an unusually turbulent period, including relegation from the top division for the first time. Their uncertain league status complicates any long-term agreement.
Club president Marcelo Teixeira has expressed a desire to keep the forward, but a prolonged stay may hinge on the club’s financial stability and its ability to compete at a level Neymar considers adequate. For now, remaining at Santos appears the most feasible option while he works toward regaining form and reliability after repeated injuries.
National team implications
Neymar’s ambition to remain part of Brazil’s national team adds another layer to his decision-making. Competition for attacking roles has intensified under head coach Carlo Ancelotti. Lucas Paquetá, Rodrygo and Raphinha have become regular contributors, creating an environment where past achievements alone no longer guarantee a place.
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For Neymar, who remains one of Brazil’s most technically gifted attackers, the pathway back depends largely on demonstrating consistent fitness and match sharpness. His standing within the squad has always been significant, but the landscape is shifting as younger players establish themselves on the international stage.
A changing football landscape for aging stars
The broader trend affecting Neymar is the decreasing appetite among top clubs for signing aging superstars primarily for commercial impact. MLS teams in particular have become more selective, focusing on competitive balance rather than branding alone. This shift, according to reporting from Diario Sport, is a central reason Miami are choosing to invest their DP slots differently.
As a result, Neymar’s next chapter may depend less on global expectations and more on where consistent playing time and a stable environment are available. The coming year, as he returns to full fitness and evaluates his options, will play a decisive role in determining whether he can reclaim a prominent place in both club football and Brazil’s international plans.
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