The January transfer window is open in European soccer, which means players from clubs all over the continent, as well as Saudi Arabia, can talk to other teams.
Two legendary players could be on their way to the United States, if not in January, in the offseason. Neymar is reportedly in talks with a trip of Major League Soccer clubs. Kevin De Bruyne is also rumored to be interested in making a move to MLS with expansion San Diego FC.
Neymar Looking to Leave Saudi Arabia for MLS, Including Chicago Fire
It is reported that Neymar has started preliminary talks with three teams in MLS, with Chicago Fire FC mentioned by name.
The 32-year-old Brazilian has had a tough time at Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia since they bought him from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2023 for almost $98 million. He played just five games before tearing his ACL in October. Neymar returned this season, only to suffer a hamstring injury.
In his prime, Neymar was one of the best players in the world with Barcelona and PSG. He also leads the Brazilian national team with 79 goals all-time, but hasn’t played for his country since he tore his ACL in a game against Uruguay.
Neymar’s contract with Al Hilal is up in June, and he has started talks with three MLS teams. Chicago Fire FC is the only team mentioned, but the report also states Neymar was looking to join Inter Miami. That would reunite Neymar with former Barça teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez.
Their “MSN” attacking trio dominated European soccer from 2014 to 2017, leading to two La Liga titles, a Champions League victory, and a treble (La Liga, Champions League, and Copa Del Rey titles) in 2015. However, Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano (who also played with Neymar at Barcelona) said it would be “impossible” to sign Neymar, due to the salary cap.
Chicago Fire hasn’t responded to the rumors yet, but all three of their Designated Players (Xherdan Shaqiri, Jairo Torres, and Ousmane Doumbia) from last season are gone, so they have the money.
Kevin De Bruyne Could Land in San Diego
Expansion club San Diego FC are looking to make their own splash entering the 2025 MLS season. The team has been interested in Kevin De Bruyne for months now, and the player’s contract with Manchester City is up this summer. After an injury-plagued start to the season, De Bruyne is playing regularly for City, but it has been a tough campaign for the defending English Premier League champions. At 33 years old, the Belgian star could look to wind down his career in the United States.
De Bruyne has had a glittering career, winning the Premier League six times, along with two FA Cups, and the Champions League in 2023, when they won the treble. He is also one of the best passers of his generation, but injuries have started to get the better of De Bruyne.
It doesn’t look like San Diego has much competition for De Bruyne’s signature, so now, the Belgian just has to make through the rest of this season with his health. City are falling out of the EPL title race, but knowing that it’s his last season in Manchester could spark De Bruyne to inspire one final push for the team.
