Neymar to Inter Miami? Rumors, challenges, and the surprising 2025 plan | OneFootball

The year 2025 is supposed to be a remarkable year in the history of Inter Miami. With the desire to participate in the Club World Cup, the American club plunges into a situation that requires strategy, an adequate squad, and focus. However, it is not the Club World Cup only: the full schedule in which MLS, the Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup will also be part of, doesn't give room for errors within performance and management. In any case, one name came back as a reinforcement: Neymar.

Since the Brazilian forward signed for Al Hilal, rumors of a possible move to Inter Miami have not cooled off. The link is almost natural: a club on the rise led by a management that knows how much international stars are important, and Neymar, a player of worldwide appeal-meeting all the requirements of the team's marketing and soccer success in the best way. Not to mention a reunion with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. But what seemed like a matter of time recently took a different turn.

In an interview with RMC Sport, Neymar poured cold water on the hopes of Inter Miami fans by reaffirming his commitment to remaining in Saudi Arabian soccer in 2025. "I want to play in the Club World Cup with Al Hilal because it's a very important competition for the club," said the forward.

Even with Neymar's statements of continuity with Al Hilal, soccer is a sport of surprises, and the transfer market is like a game of chess: in the blink of an eye, everything can change. The declared desire to compete in the Club World Cup with the Saudi team cannot completely rule out an aggressive bid by Inter Miami. Signing Neymar would mean not only a sporting boost but also a masterstroke in global marketing.

Focus on the Brazilian National Team

Another important point that could define Neymar's future in 2025 is his commitment to the Brazilian national team. In fact, he has played three World Cups so far, something which he has signaled could go into a fourth, and, it is likely to be his last. To maintain his place in the current scenario, Neymar must also have excellent performances, playing for whichever club he is contracted at consistently. That would mean whether he continues with Al Hilal or heads to a new stage, like Inter Miami, where he might get more attention and publicity.

"I need to focus on that, prepare well here, and have that medium-term goal," Neymar said, underlining how the World Cup influences his decisions. A player of that kind, who has very serious goals, needs a very precise plan, and thus the next year will be important regarding his future.

Inter Miami without Neymar

And if Neymar does not finally arrive? Inter Miami cannot bet everything on one player. The club has been moving in the market in search of options for every position. MLS is a league that allows the possibility to sign "Designated Players," and Inter Miami has already shown it knows how to use this rule to get players like high-profile stars.

But also, the infrastructures of the club that include one of the best training facilities in the league, plus a mix of competitiveness with global visibility, become attractive for top-class talent. With or without Neymar, the Herons seem determined to make 2025 the year of their international breakout.

The Race for the Club World Cup

Whether Neymar ultimately decides to join or not, the Club World Cup is a turning point for Inter Miami. Qualifying alone is already an achievement of sorts, but making history is another matter altogether. To do so, everything will have to be done to perfection: tactical preparation must be spotless, the roster deep, and the coaching fit for the decisive moments. For such a campaign, Javier Mascherano could be that important figure in the team, given his experience in high-level international competitions.

Doing well at the tournament could bring additional investors, sponsors, and other followers, further cementing the Herons' standing as a globally recognized brand.