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via Reuters
Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi and his teammates arrive at the Hong Kong International Airport for the soccer club’s first international tour, in Hong Kong, China February 2, 2024. REUTERS/Lam Yik
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via Reuters
Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi and his teammates arrive at the Hong Kong International Airport for the soccer club’s first international tour, in Hong Kong, China February 2, 2024. REUTERS/Lam Yik
Inter Miami remains caught between a rock and a hard place. Already grappling with a lengthy injury list, the Herons recently lost their star defender, Nicolas Freire for the remainder of the season. While this leaves Tata Martino and Co. hanging in the balance, they are eyeing the signature of Real Madrid veteran Nacho Fernandez to fill Freire’s void.
The former Barcelona rival of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez has become the latest target for the Florida-based club. As reported by Relevo, even though he has not communicated anything regarding his future, a departure from Bernabeu remains on the card for the center back. Having signed an extension just a year ago, the Spaniard’s contract is again set to expire this summer. Madrid, at any point, hasn’t also indicated talks to offer him another chance to stay.
Hence, this could be a chance for David Beckham to contact his former side to further carry forward with the talks. Even Nacho himself plans to play away from Europe, with the United States being one of the destinations. However, there also remains an interest from the financially robust Saudi Pro League, where he can reunite with his former Madrid teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr. A dogfight among clubs is expected for Nacho, given the illustrious career he has enjoyed so far.
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The 34-year-old captained this season’s team in over 43 appearances across all competitions. Aside from winning La Liga, he is in the UCL final with Madrid. Notably, Nacho is Los Blancos’ academy product and was promoted to the first team in 2012. Since then, he has been part of Madrid’s success throughout the years. While there are countless reasons why Nacho is a great signing for Miami, can they afford him?
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Here’s how Inter Miami can sign Nacho!
Already having the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, there doesn’t seem to be space available for Nacho. But actually, there is. The center-back might fall under the TAM player category, given Miami’s available allocation funds, albeit the contract would likely amount to around $1.5 million, similar to how Jordi Alba was brought to Chase Stadium.
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Inter Miami’s coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino speaks at a press conference before the soccer club’s friendly match against the Hong Kong team, in Hong Kong, China, February 2, 2024. REUTERS/Lam Yik
Alternatively, he could potentially become a franchise player. Leonardo Campana might transition to TAM to open up a spot, initially alongside his former teammates Busquets and Messi, with Luis Suarez potentially taking that role later on. Meanwhile, a departure in any case, like on-loan Nicolas Freire, who can go back to PUMAS now that he would miss the whole season, can also assist in the arrival of Nacho.
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Now that Inter Miami’s ability to sign Nacho is confirmed, the decision rests with him. Let’s see what the future holds.