Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Neymar, Football, MLS, Saudi Pro League
Nasir Jabbar
A shock club has 'opened talks' with Neymar over a stunning deal that would send shockwaves across world football.
Neymar swapped Europe for the Middle East when he joined Al Hilal, penning an extremely lucrative contract.
But he has endured a difficult spell in Saudi Arabia, having struggled to stay fit amid a myriad of injuries.
According to French outlet Foot Mercato, MLS side Chicago Fire are prepared to offer him a route away from Saudi.
Per the report, Chicago Fire have 'opened talks' with Neymar, 32, over a two-year deal.
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The Chicago-based team want to make a 'big splash' and land the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain superstar, with discussions taking place over a two-year contract.
Conversations are in the 'early days' of what could be a long process to land the forward.
A move to the United States would help him prepare for the 2026 World Cup, which the Brazilian aims to play in.
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The next World Cup takes place in USA as well as Canada and Mexico.
Several high-profile names have signed for MLS clubs, including Neymar's former Barca teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, who both joined David Beckham's Inter Miami.
Former Napoli man Lorenzo Insigne, ex-Liverpool winger Xherdan Shaqiri and Aston Villa old boy Christian Benteke, among others, are also playing their trade in America.
Neymar has only managed to play seven games since signing for Al Hilal.
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He made five appearances last season and featured in just two games this term before sustaining a new injury.
But he appears to be happy to be playing his football in Saudi Arabia as he echoed Cristiano Ronaldo's comments about the Saudi Pro League being more competitive than France's Ligue 1.
"I think the level of the Saudi Pro League is increasing and from what I see it’s better than Ligue 1," he said. "Today the players in the Saudi Pro League are better."