After missing the 2023 MLS playoffs, who could be heading to Miami and what are the club’s needs?
Inter Miami’s 2023 transfer window will go down in history. No moment in MLS history will have been more important, as it was immortalized the moment Lionel Messi arrived in South Florida, and every moment since felt like something out of a movie to anyone who follows this club.
But, like all great films, anticipation for a sequel builds. How can Inter Miami follow the most shocking transfer window of all time? Could the club make any more big changes in the coming months? And, more importantly, now that Messi is in charge, what pieces can they put around him to become contenders to win the MLS?
The process of answering these questions has already begun. Since Messi’s arrival, rumors have been circulating about the next big signing who will succeed him at Inter Miami, alongside Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
But who could Miami sign this offseason? GOAL checking out…
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Rules to be followed
For those new to MLS, each team operates within a set of guidelines. Some clubs are known for playing fast and loose with these guidelines, including Inter Miami. But as we approach the 2024 MLS season, we’re not entirely sure what those guidelines will look like.
There have been rumors of some changes this winter, but until these are confirmed we’ll have to operate on the assumption that the MLS rules will be more or less similar to what they were in 2023. As a result, Inter Miami will start the season with franchise for three players, the maximum number in the squad: Messi, Busquets and Leonardo Campana.
The good news, however, is that the club will finally end the punishment imposed by the league for playing fast and loose with the selection rules. The club was caught failing to declare salaries, particularly that of French star Blaise Matuidi, which led to a huge fine and a lower amount of allocation money in 2022 and 2023, reducing the amount the club could spend on its squad limited.
That has already been done, putting Inter Miami on the same playing field as everyone else in 2024.
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Luis Suarez
Looking at the reports, it’s practically done. Here’s what we know for sure: Luis Suárez will leave Gremio this winter. The club have confirmed he is set to leave, albeit controversially, after the striker’s physical condition improved dramatically following talk of a possible move to Miami with Messi.
Here’s what we also know: Messi and Suárez are best friends. Their families are close and they have developed a great bond both on and off the pitch in Barcelona. During their time at Camp Nou, the pair were unstoppable, and Messi’s relationship with the Blaugrana started to go downhill when Barça controversially sacked Suárez.
Suarez seems destined to join Inter Miami, although it remains to be seen what financial resources will be required. For example, Alba accepted a cheap contract so she could play with her friends. Will Suárez do the same to bring another former Barcelona star to Miami?
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Luka Modrid
If Suárez is the one most linked to Miami, Luka Modric is in second place. There have been so many reports that the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner will join Messi that Carlo Ancelotti was forced to address the speculation, saying that as things stand there is no plan to sign Modric to Real Madrid in January to leave Madrid. But things change quickly in this sport.
The question with Modric is not whether Miami can sign him, but what would happen if they did. The midfield already has a bigger star: Busquets; Could Miami afford more older players in a league like MLS? And if they can make that happen, will someone like Benjamin Cremaschi be willing to do whatever it takes to keep the midfield going?
Maybe we’ll find out, maybe we won’t, but ties with Modric are unlikely to disappear. If the club succeeds, they will have signed another superstar who is still at the top of his game.
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Sergi Roberto
Another Barcelona player linked to Miami! Sergi Roberto is not an iconic player like Messi, Alba, Busquets or Suárez, but the versatile midfielder has been a mainstay in Catalonia for more than a decade and is winning everything there is to win. At 31 years old, he still has a few good years left in the tank and could finally find himself in a more regular role if he reaches the MLS.
However, that may not happen this winter as reports from Spain say Roberto is keen to lead Barcelona as captain, having taken over the role following Busquets’ departure.
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Positions that need
As things stand right now, there’s no denying that Miami has perhaps the most talented starting lineup in MLS. In addition to the former Barça trio, you have a veteran of the US National Team in DeAndre Yedlin, as well as newcomers Cremaschi from the US National Team in midfield and Drake Callender in goal.
Young South American stars Facundo Farías and Tomás Avilés arrived this summer and showed flashes of their abilities, while veterans such as Gregore and Jean Mota, who suffered serious injuries in 2023, will return. This team, as it stands, has 15 players who could legitimately be considered among the top 10 at their position in the MLS.
However, the club does have a number of points of interest. It appears that the striker is one, with the impending departure of Josef Martínez, although Campana’s presence gives the club a legitimate starter, or a legitimate commercial chip if necessary.
Outside of that, however, Miami could use some depth at several key positions. Central defense is certainly one of them, although the club addressed this earlier this season by re-signing Canadian star Kamal Miller.
Teams can always use more legs in midfield, although that will likely require losing the wages of Gregore or Mota, while it would probably be a good idea to bring in another striker who could help Farias take the load . matches where Messi does not play.
Overall, there are no glaring holes in Miami’s roster. They don’t need to panic and throw money at another big name. This team is able to pick their spots and choose their players as they search for alignment.
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Export
We already know a way out, as Tata Martino has confirmed that Martínez will not continue. That will leave a hole in the striker position, but it seems like a certain Uruguayan mentioned above should be able to fill it without any problem.
In addition, most of the club’s key players are already under contract for next season. Miami has the option to bring back Finland international Robert Taylor, who was fantastic during the first few weeks of Messi mania and represents a good bench option going forward. However, it appears that Victor Ulloa and Robbie Robinson will be leaving as their contracts are about to expire.
Much will also depend on what Miami does with Campana, who would be wanted by many MLS teams if he is available, while defender Chris McVey is another player who could be sold if the club wants to raise money.
Source: Goal