Angel Di Maria Set to Join Inter Miami After Reaching Financial Agreement, Despite Tata Martino’s Earlier Refusal- Reports

The rumors of Angel Di Maria going to Inter Miami continue to spread like wildfire. For months, the star forward has been tipped to join his Argentinian compatriot Lionel Messi at Fort Lauderdale. While Miami boss Tata Martino earlier dashed the hopes of Di Maria’s arrival, fresh reports suggest that he has reached a financial agreement with the Herons.

This comes from the mouth of the Argentinian journalist, Leo Paradizo, compiled by @InterMiamiZone on X. Even though a verbal understanding has been reached between both parties, there is still no confirmation whether Di Maria will officially sign for Miami in the upcoming June or January 2025. Earlier, reports said that Di Maria’s agency, which also facilitated the move of Olivier Giroud to LAFC, was spotted heading towards Inter Miami’s facilities.

Yet, it is quite a significant update for the Florida-based club, especially after Tata Martino ruled out the former PSG superstar’s move to MLS, whose contract with Benfica is set to expire this summer. The Argentinian tactician said, “It would not be feasible to hire any type of player, especially regarding the conditions that could come.” Martino had also indicated various financial restrictions, so how come they reached a salary agreement with Di Maria?

In their $683,750 salary cap, Miami might move Leonardo Campana to the empty TAM slot. This would help the former Manchester United player take up the Designated Player slot. However, this would scrap their plans to add a former Real Madrid teammate of Di Maria to replace their injured star.

The arrival of Angel Di Maria would deny Nacho’s move to Inter Miami

Real Madrid veteran Nacho Fernandez is another big name that Inter Miami is pondering to sign. The Herons eye the former Barcelona rival of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez as a perfect replacement for Nicolas Freire, who is sidelined for the remainder of the season. Nacho’s contract is set to expire this summer and even Madrid isn’t allegedly interested in extending his stay. However, the competition for the 34-year-old is quite tough, with interest coming from Saudi clubs.

Per reports, Inter Miami is looking to sign the center-back through the TAM slot. Alternatively, he might be assigned as a franchise player. To make room, Leonardo Campana could transition to a TAM slot, joining his former teammates Busquets and Messi, with Luis Suarez potentially assuming that role later. Additionally, the departure of players like on-loan Nicolas Freire, who can return to PUMAS after being ruled out for the season, could facilitate Nacho’s arrival.

But before making defensive reinforcements, it seems Inter Miami is currently focused on bolstering its attacking ranks. It remains to be seen what happens at this stage.