Inter Miami boss gives verdict on Neymar transfer

Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano says it would be "impossible" to sign Neymar from Al due to Major League Soccer's salary cap.

The Brazilian superstar has made just seven appearances for Al Hilal since moving to Saudi Arabia in August 2023, with an ACL injury sidelining him for approximately a year. He has suffered further fitness issues since making a return to the fold last October.

Neymar's lack of involvement in the Middle East has prompted talk of a potential exit in January or the summer, and he's admitted that he would love to reunite with former teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami.

The trio formed the famous and deadly 'MSN' triumvirate during their stint together at Barcelona between 2014 and 2017.

Speaking to CNN, Neymar admitted: "Obviously, playing again with Messi and Suarez would be incredible. They are my friends. We still speak to each other. It would be interesting to revive this trio.

"I’m happy at Al Hilal, I’m happy in Saudi Arabia, but who knows. Football is full of surprises."

However, despite Neymar's comments fuelling speculation over a move to MLS, Inter Miami manager Mascherano, who played with Neymar at Barcelona as well, has claimed that the American outfit wouldn't be able to make a deal happen due to the league's salary cap.

"We cannot talk about Ney because we have nothing," the 40-year-old said. "Obviously Ney is a great player. Every coach in the world wants him but at the moment, but you know the MLS rules around the salary cap. So for us in this moment, it’s impossible to try to think about him."

The new MLS season begins on 22 February and Inter Miami, who won the Eastern Conference and Supporters' Shield for the first time in 2024, will have the opportunity to strengthen their squad when the transfer window opens in late January, closing in April.

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