In reality, the deal seems doomed from the beginning, but in this instance, one less global superstar making his way to North America is good news. Neymar, for all his fame and popularity, would be a failed signing for the league.

Brazil superstar and Al Hilal attacker Neymar is in preliminary talks with three MLS sides, including Chicago Fire FC, over a proposed move, sources have told ESPN.

But sources with ESPN in Brazil have tempered expectations over a move to MLS for Neymar, adding that if he were to play in the U.S., he still held out hope of signing with Inter Miami.