Inter Miami’s summer transfer window did not result in another superstar signing, but it was an exciting rollercoaster.
With just one new addition made in the form of David Martinez, Inter Miami head into the final third of the MLS season with a squad good enough to wrap up the Supporters’ Shield and go all the way for MLS Cup.
Although Inter Miami were linked with Sergi Roberto and Raphael Varane, the Herons managed just a single signing in the summer window, with Martinez adding extra depth that the Florida franchise had been lacking.
Yet one player linked with Inter Miami seemingly had a season opener to forget.
Cesar Montes endures season opener nightmare after Inter Miami links
Cesar Montes emerged as a target for Inter Miami earlier this month, with the defender a regular with the Mexico international having played under Herons manager Tata Martino at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Despite being relegated with the Spanish side last season, Montes announced his decision to stay with Almeria last week, with the defender starting in the Segunda Division opener, yet things didn’t go to plan for the center-back.
Almeria found themselves 2-0 down at half-time, and Pepe Mel turned to Montes as the fall guy, with the defender coming off at the break, with the Spanish side coming back to draw 2-2 against Racing Santander.
Mel said on Montes’ performance in Almeria’s league opener: “What worried me most was the end of the first half because they did quite a bit of damage on the counterattack and running. This is a sport where you don’t throw in the towel until the last second.”
Montes might already be regretting Almeria stay
A bad performance is never the right way to start the new season, yet for Montes, his display on the weekend will feel extra embarrassing given the recent interest in Inter Miami heading into the fixture.
The 27-year-old defender was offered a potential exit from the Spanish second-tier to arguably the biggest club in soccer outside of Europe in terms of current brand recognition.
Yet with the MLS summer window close, Montes has no way of making it to Inter Miami now, with the defender stuck with Almeria until at least the January transfer window.