The Fire are one of three MLS teams in preliminary talks with Brazil superstar and Al Hilal attacker Neymar, according to ESPN.
The network reported that Inter Miami isn’t among the teams, and new manager Javier Mascherano recently said that it would be “impossible” to add Neymar given MLS’ restrictions.
But sources with ESPN in Brazil have tempered expectations over a move to MLS for Neymar, adding that if he were to play in the U.S., he still held out hope of signing with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez in South Florida.
The Fire declined to comment when contacted by ESPN.
Neymar, 32, has endured a difficult spell with Al Hilal since joining the Saudi Arabian club from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 for a fee of $97.6 million. He suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee while on international duty shortly after joining Al Hilal.
Neymar returned to the field in October, but a hamstring injury has kept him from making more of a contribution. He has made only seven league and cup appearances, and he has one goal, in October 2023.
Even without Neymar, Al Hilal won the Saudi Pro League last season.
Neymar’s contract runs through June 2025, meaning he can begin negotiating with other teams on a new contract. He remains one of the biggest names in the sport, thanks to his exploits alongside Messi and Suarez while with Barca in 2013-17.