Inter Miami are the biggest side in MLS, and as a result, the Herons have found themselves linked to a number of big-name players.
Paul Pogba has in recent weeks been rumoured with a move to Inter Miami, with Antoine Griezmann another superstar name who has been linked with an MLS switch heading into 2025, where the Florida franchise could make a splash.
With the January transfer window just two months way, work is likely being done behind the scenes at Inter Miami to bring in a blockbuster signing to build from last year’s arrival of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez earlier in 2024.
And Neymar could be that player that Inter Miami opts to sign.
Neymar subject to Inter Miami transfer approach
According to Tariq Al-Nofal, Inter Miami have made their first move to sign Neymar in January, with the journalist saying: “In exclusive news, Inter Miami has submitted an official offer to Al Hilal to sign Neymar in the upcoming January transfer window.”
With Neymar only just returning to action with Al-Hilal after nearly a year out due to an ACL injury, a move to MLS in 2025 makes plenty of sense for the Brazil superstar with his contract with the Saudi Arabia side ending next summer.
Indeed, Neymar formed part of the legendary MSN attack force at FC Barcelona with Messi and Suarez, something that could now be replicated at Inter Miami if a deal can be reached with the 32-year-old winger.
However, with Inter Miami already having three Designated Players on their books and Neymar likely to demand a salary that could equal what Messi is currently making, the Florida franchise could have some big issues when it comes to bringing in the attacker logistically.
Who are Inter Miami’s three Designated Players?
The Designated Players rule allows MLS teams to have three players on their payroll who exceed the league’s maximum salary, with Inter Miami using this to their full advantage with the signing of Messi last year.
| Inter Miami’s 2024 Designated Players | Salaries |
| Lionel Messi | $20,446,667.00 |
| Sergio Busquets | $8,774,996.00 |
| Leonardo Campana | $722,333.00 |
However, as per Inter Miami’s Designated Players for 2024, there’s one obvious candidate who can be bought down to free up a spot for next season in Leonardo Campana, who despite being a DP earns less than the likes of Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Julian Gressel.
As a result, buying Campana’s contract down could open up the door for Inter Miami to sign Neymar, who could be open to moving to Florida if a deal can be reached with Al-Hilal heading into the January window.