In the summer of 2023, Neymar was one of the top players linked with a move to MLS. At the time, Lionel Messi was thriving with Inter Miami, and it was no surprise that the league wanted to sign the equally popular star for LAFC. That did not happen, as Neymar signed with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal on a two-year deal that earns the Brazilian over $160 million per season. In hindsight, though, missing out on Neymar was a blessing in disguise for Major League Soccer.
Neymar’s injury issues over the last year have limited his availability for Al-Hilal. In total, Neymar has played only five games with the Saudi Pro League side. Then, during the October international break in 2023, Neymar tore his ACL. That has kept him out of all action since then and is likely to continue to do so into 2025.
Mind you, Al-Hilal is still paying Neymar approximately $3.2 million per week. Had Major League Soccer been the one to lure Neymar after his PSG departure, the fervor and excitement surrounding his arrival would have disappeared with these injury issues. That is largely what has happened at Al-Hilal. The club has not posted Neymar on its social media accounts, largely because he is not around to spend time with the club.
Neymar in MLS would have failed to move the needle like Messi
Lionel Messi has been far from the most available player, much like Neymar. However, Major League Soccer and international competition have made Lionel Messi a mainstay in American soccer even with the Argentine on the sidelines. Like Neymar, Messi has dealt with nagging injuries. Most recently, an ankle injury from the Copa America Final has kept Messi out of the last 13 Inter Miami games dating back to the start of Copa America. Fortunately for MLS, the injury is one where his return is likely against Philadelphia Union on September 14. Setbacks and lack of communication may frustrate supporters, but the opportunity remains intact.
That is not the case with Neymar. The…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/why-mls-dodged-a-bullet-by-not-signing-neymar-in-2023/
Author : Kyle Fansler
Publish date : 2024-09-10 22:30:00
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