Neymar’s Potential Escape Route from Saudi Arabia to MLS’s Chicago Fire
Neymar Jr., the Brazilian football superstar, might find a way out of his challenging stint at Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal with a potential move to Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire. Neymar, currently 32, joined Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain in a high-profile transfer worth £77.6 million last year. However, his time in Saudi Arabia has been marred by injuries, including a significant 11-month absence due to a cruciate ligament tear, limiting him to just seven appearances for the club. This underwhelming performance stands in stark contrast to his lucrative contract, which reportedly earns him a staggering £138 million annually, making him one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.
Chicago Fire’s reported interest offers a potential lifeline for Neymar, albeit with a significant pay cut. According to reporter Ben Jacobs, Chicago Fire is prepared to offer Neymar a contract worth £16 million per year, excluding bonuses. This figure mirrors the salary earned by his former Barcelona teammate, Lionel Messi, at Inter Miami CF. While this represents a substantial reduction from his current earnings, it would still position him among the top earners in MLS. The move could provide Neymar with a fresh start and the opportunity to revitalize his career in a less demanding league, potentially mirroring Messi’s successful transition to MLS.
Despite his injury struggles and limited playing time, Al-Hilal reportedly intends to retain Neymar. The club holds the option to extend his contract by one year, and there are indications that they envision him playing a role as an ambassador for Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup. This suggests a long-term strategy on the part of Al-Hilal, perhaps hoping that Neymar’s global appeal can boost the country’s footballing profile.
However, Neymar’s current situation at Al-Hilal appears tenuous. Manager Jorge Jesus confirmed that Neymar is currently ineligible to play in the Saudi Pro League due to not being registered in the squad amidst his injury woes. He is, however, eligible to participate in the AFC Champions League. Jesus’s comments also shed light on Neymar’s current form, suggesting that he is not performing at the level expected of him. While acknowledging that Neymar remains under contract with Al-Hilal and can decide his future, the manager hinted at the club’s potential willingness to part ways, stating that the decision ultimately rests with the management.
Should Neymar decide to leave Al-Hilal, the club is reportedly eyeing Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah as a potential replacement. This indicates Al-Hilal’s ambition to maintain a star-studded squad and their willingness to invest heavily in top talent. Salah, a proven Premier League goalscorer and a prominent figure in African football, would undoubtedly be a significant addition to the Saudi Pro League.
The potential move to Chicago Fire presents Neymar with a crucial juncture in his career. He must weigh the financial implications of a significant pay cut against the prospect of rejuvenating his career in a less intense league. The allure of MLS, coupled with the precedent set by Messi’s successful transition, could prove enticing. Moreover, the opportunity to escape the challenging circumstances at Al-Hilal might provide the much-needed impetus for Neymar to rediscover his form and remind the world of his exceptional talent. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the next chapter in Neymar’s career.
