After a disappointing end to the 2024 campaign, Inter Miami will be looking to bounce back in 2025 with a bang.
Despite breaking the regular-season points record (74), the Herons were dumped out of the MLS play-offs by lowest-ranked seed Atlanta in a shock few saw coming.
To add insult to injury Lionel Messi’s future looks uncertain with the star player’s contract running out in December 2025.
In his post-match press conference following the Atlanta defeat, Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino said: “I actually don’t know how limited [Messi’s time in this league] is.”
With one of Inter Miami’s star players futures up in the air, is it time for David Beckham and the club’s hierarchy to look at bringing in some fresh faces?
Miami have registered an interest in Paul Pogba, meanwhile, rumours of linking Neymar with an MLS move continue to grow.
Here’s a look at some free-agent signings that could help push the Herons to a successful 2025.
1. Sergio Ramos
Going against the usual Inter Miami mould, which has seen the side put together a whole host of former Barcelona teammates this signing might raise some eyebrows.
The former Real Madrid man is looking for a new club following his departure from Spanish side Sevilla.
Ramos is one of the most decorated defenders in football history, having won multiple UEFA Champions League titles as well as two European Championships and the FIFA World Cup with Spain.
The no-nonsense defender has previous experience at a football club with David Beckham as well, with the pair sharing two years together at Real Madrid between 2005 and 2007.
Ramos would cost a fair chunk in wages, but with Inter Miami struggling to keep goals out at the back during the 2024 campaign, he could be the man to help them build a stable base.
2. Marcelo
Another former Real Madrid man and teammate of Beckham.
Marcelo was known as one of the best left-backs of his time and was certainly one of the first to make the role of a full-back so attacking.
Inter Miami, of course, has Jordi Alba playing as their current left back, but right-back Marcelo Weigandt is only on loan from Boca Juniors, meaning that they could be in the market for another full-back.
Marcelo has been without a club since leaving Brazilian side Fluminense earlier this year.
3. Dele Alli
One that may surprise a few but could Dele Alli resurrect his career in the MLS for Inter Miami under the ownership of fellow countryman Beckham.
Alli has struggled to re-find his early career form, which saw him burst onto the scene with Milton Keynes Dons before securing a major move to Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite a fast start and numerous England call-ups, the attacking midfielder soon lost his way and has been in and out of the game for the last few years.
Alli is a confidence player, and with the bright lights and excitement around the MLS, this new challenge could see him back to his best.
4. Rafinha
A return to tradition would see the Herons approach former Barcelona prospect Rafinha.
Not to be confused with his almost Brazilian namesake, who is currently tearing up La Liga, the former Barcelona midfielder is looking for a new club following a two-year spell in Qatar.
Rafinha is no stranger to joining leagues whose popularity is on the rise, and the potential to play alongside his old Barcelona teammates of Alba, and Sergio Busquets, to name a few, could tempt the Brazilian playmaker.
At the age of 31, he still has a lot left to give, and the MLS could provide the perfect playground for him to return to his former best.
5. Keylor Navas
Despite a great season, Inter Miami still conceded 49 goals in their 34 regular season games; that was 12 more than a Charlotte side that finished in fifth.
One man who could help stop the rot at the back is experienced shot-stopper Keylor Navas.
Drake Callender played 35 times in the league for Inter Miami this season, but it’s clear to see that a player of Navas’ quality could help solidify the backline.
Navas, who is now 37, has been without a side since leaving PSG last summer. He has played in numerous leagues across the world in recent years and could look to make a similar impact to Hugo Lloris at LAFC.
Who are Inter Miami’s designated players for the 2025 MLS season?
To bring in some of these free agents Inter Miami would have to create some room on their designated player list ahead of the 2025 season.
You can only have three designated players in your squad at one time, and currently the Herons have all three slots filled.
Messi, Busquets, and Leo Campana currently occupy the designated player spots, but with the future of the Argentine up in the air, the club could have room for one superstar signing.