Neymar heads into the end of 2025 with one of the most uncertain situations of his recent career. With his contract at Santos running only until December and no guarantees he’ll stay at the club where he grew up, the forward is back at the center of speculation. And this time, the question isn’t just which club might go after him, but who’s actually willing to take the risk. While part of MLS shows little enthusiasm about signing him, the European market has started moving in a quieter, yet noticeably curious way. Reports from Fabrizio Romano indicate that Premier League clubs are already reaching out to understand his contract status and physical condition, opening the door for a fresh dispute over a player who, even past his peak, still shakes the market.
The contrast between the lack of interest in the US and the growing attention in England
There’s always been talk about Neymar joining Inter Miami, but behind the scenes the story looks different. According to ESPN, most MLS teams don’t share that excitement. Scouts and executives contacted don’t see much sense in betting on the Brazilian right now and consider the cost too high for someone still trying to regain rhythm and fitness after a run of injuries.
The exception, of course, would be Inter Miami, where Messi has major influence and where their friendship could matter, just like it did with Suárez, Busquets, Jordi Alba and Rodrigo de Paul. Even so, nothing suggests the club will make a move without a direct signal from Messi himself. In complete contrast, the Premier League is watching Neymar more closely. Romano says there have been initial contacts, inquiries and even a growing curiosity about the possibility of the forward becoming a free agent in January. It’s a quiet but strategic move. Knowing he could be signed without a transfer fee completely changes the equation for English clubs looking for immediate impact, attacking depth and a name capable of stirring noise on and off the field.
The weight of his moment at Santos and the reality of the early 2026 market
At 33, Neymar is trying to balance two fronts: helping Santos escape relegation and dealing with the reality that he’ll have to decide his future in a matter of weeks. The team beat Palmeiras 1 0 and moved one point above the relegation zone, a crucial win at this stage of the Brasileirão. It was their first victory after five matches, and Neymar played the full 90 minutes.
Even so, the fight against relegation doesn’t change a simple fact: his contract ends on December 31 and he can leave for free. Romano reiterates that Neymar wants to stay fully focused on keeping Santos in the top division, but he admits the situation will be “interesting to follow” once the window opens. And it will be. Because beyond Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Newcastle appearing in the British press as possible destinations, all of those clubs have some kind of history or context that could justify taking on a signing of this magnitude.
At Chelsea, his name always reappears and there are Brazilians in the squad who would make the adjustment easier. At United, the appetite for big signings has been present since the club’s sporting direction changed. At City, the symbolic connection to Guardiola sparks old curiosity about how Neymar would fit under him. At Liverpool, the bond with Alisson and the team’s inconsistent attack could open a window. And at Newcastle, the Saudi ownership has never hidden its desire for global stars. The real question is whether any of these teams want Neymar right now, in his current condition, with his recent injury history and the physical demands of the Premier League. That answer isn’t visible yet, but the interest from England clearly is. And that alone ensures Neymar’s name will remain a hot topic as 2026 approaches.