Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano has stated that a move for Neymar is “impossible” due to Major League Soccer’s salary cap restrictions.
Neymar, who joined Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia in August 2023, has struggled with fitness, making just seven appearances for the club. His recovery from an ACL injury has kept him sidelined for much of the year, and he has faced additional fitness setbacks since his return in October.
These ongoing fitness concerns have fueled speculation about Neymar’s potential exit from the Saudi Pro League, with rumors suggesting he could move to MLS, where he has expressed interest in reuniting with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami. The trio formed the formidable ‘MSN’ partnership at Barcelona from 2014 to 2017.
In an interview with CNN, Neymar said: “Obviously, playing again with Messi and Suarez would be incredible. They are my friends. We still speak to each other. It would be interesting to revive this trio.”
However, Mascherano, who also played with Neymar at Barcelona, explained that a move to Inter Miami is not feasible under the current MLS salary cap regulations. “We cannot talk about Ney because we have nothing. Obviously, Ney is a great player. Every coach in the world wants him, but at the moment, with the MLS rules around the salary cap, it’s impossible to think about him.”
The 2024 MLS season begins on February 22, and while Inter Miami, who clinched the Eastern Conference and Supporters’ Shield in 2024, will have the chance to strengthen their squad during the transfer window, a deal for Neymar remains out of reach for now.
