Former Major League Soccer (MLS) goalkeeper and football analyst Shaka Hislop has voiced strong reservations regarding whether signing the 34-year-old forward represents a sound financial or sporting investment for the American league.

Neymar’s current contract with Brazilian club Santos is set to expire at the end of the calendar year, leaving his future unresolved. Since his world-record €222 million transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, the Brazilian international has endured an unfortunate series of severe injuries, including recurring ankle problems and knee ligament damage. These physical setbacks have significantly curtailed his playing time and raised persistent questions regarding his ability to regain peak fitness and form.

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami through 2028, where he has already re-established a lethal attacking partnership with fellow Barcelona alumnus Luis Suárez. Adding Neymar to the squad would complete the legendary South American front line that dominated European football, creating immense commercial appeal and driving worldwide viewership for MLS.

Hislop has publicly questioned whether relying on brand recognition alone justifies the financial outlay required to secure Neymar’s signature. Pointing out that both Neymar and Suárez are entering the twilight of their professional careers, Hislop highlighted the physical toll exacted by years at the highest level. At 39, Suárez has shown visible signs of slowing down, whilst Neymar’s extensive injury history has noticeably affected his explosive pace and mobility.

While acknowledging the nostalgia and excitement of reuniting three of the game’s greatest talents under one roof, Hislop cautioned that the financial risk must be carefully weighed against on-pitch returns. Exceptional figures like Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have managed to defy age and sustain elite performance levels late into their careers, but Hislop considers such longevity the exception rather than the rule. Consequently, he views Neymar’s prospective move to Inter Miami as a high-risk venture that offers no guarantee of long-term value for MLS.