MLS expansion side San Diego FC will reportedly battle Inter Miami for a Brazilian superstar’s signature, someone who Lionel Messi has a previous history with.
The California-based franchise are due to start play next year as the 30th team competing in MLS, with San Diego having some big plans in the pipeline ahead of their inaugural season in America’s top-flight next year.
With Inter Miami bringing MLS’s reputation up to a whole new level with the arrival of Messi last year, other teams in the league are now looking to cash in on the league’s newfound popularity with a mega signing or two of their own.
And San Diego could be about to go arguably one step bigger than Inter Miami signing Messi.
San Diego to battle Inter Miami to sign Brazilian superstar Neymar
According to Posta Deportes via Marca, San Diego have plans to move for Al-Hilal winger and former FC Barcelona star Neymar, a player who Messi have immense success with in La Liga as well as in France with PSG.
With Neymar currently out with an ACL injury, there’s a growing expectation that the forward will depart Saudi Arabia in the next six months, with Inter Miami linked with a move for the attacker, who he himself has said he is open to a move to Inter Miami.
Indeed, Neymar to MLS is a transfer that could have some legs given all that has happened in recent weeks, yet Inter Miami might struggle to land the 32-year-old due to current roster rules, opening the door for San Diego to land the attacker.
Although a reunion with Messi would be a dream for many soccer fans, the limitations of MLS’s spending rules could make the transfer impossible for Inter Miami, and San Diego could make a huge statement by signing the Brazilian.
Neymar to MLS would be massive regardless if he reunites with Messi
Neymar and Messi playing together once again would be a joy for all, yet the 32-year-old attacker joining MLS in general would be massive for the league.
The signing of Messi has already elevated MLS onto a level few would have expected, with more teams expected to make huge signings in the coming weeks with the league’s reputation at an all-time high.
And Neymar could be one such name who makes the move to MLS, with San Diego a club that could suit the Brazilian given the huge Latin community surrounding the area as well as the franchise.