It’s all change at Inter Miami this off-season as the club looks to improve on its early play-off exit ahead of next season’s campaign.
Javier Mascherano has been appointed manager, this comes following the exit of Gerardo Martino.
Despite possessing some of the greatest talents the MLS has seen in Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets, the Herons could not progress beyond Atlanta in their first play-off match.
Messi spoke about the season’s disappointment but vowed to return stronger in the next campaign.
With Lionel Messi seemingly staying put and Luis Suarez signing a new contract the club has a good core for Mascherano to work around.
It is likely the Argentine coach will be looking to add his feel to the team though, here are a few former teammates that he could tempt to Miami.
Angel Di Maria
At the age of 36 Angel Di Maria is still performing at the highest level in the Liga Portugal for Benfica.
Mascherano played alongside Di Maria on numerous occasions for their country, Argentina.
Di Maria, has over 500 club appearances and it wouldn’t break the bank to bring him to Miami either. He has a one-year contract with Benfica and is able to talk with new clubs in January.
The former Real Madrid man might have to build some bridges with the strong Barcelona presence that currently plays at Miami, but much time has passed since they fiercely battled in El Classico’s.
Di Maria is full of flare and recently scored a spectacular bicycle kick which could wow the fans at the Chase Stadium.
Fellow Argentine Brian Aguirre has been linked to Miami, this move would give a real South American feel to the side.
Di Maria could be an exciting addition to the team to link up with Messi and Mascherano.
Samuel Umtiti
The solid French central defender feels like he’s been around for ages, yet he’s only 31.
Umtiti has played for some of the biggest clubs in world football including French giants Lyon and Barcelona.
Umtiti played alongside Mascherano for two years at Barcelona, unfortunately, they were up against a pretty good Real Madrid side at the time so failed to win a league title together.
Speaking of Barcelona, another former player Neymar has been linked with a move to Inter Miami.
The side already has a strong Barca feel to it and this would allow Umtiti to gel instantly into the team.
Inter Miami are also a little bit weak in the centre of defence and the Frenchman, who has 41 international caps, would bring some much-needed solidity and experience to the backline.
Mascherano will have to try and tempt Lille to part ways with Umtiti which might not be hard as the star has been out injured for a long period.
- Read more: Inter Miami eyeing Argentina international who has played with Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano
Pedro
Despite some thinking that his best days might be behind him, Lazio’s Pedro is continuing to show that he can mix it at the highest level.
The former Barcelona winger is now applying his trade in the Serie A where he is a regular contributor to goals and assists.
World Cup winner Pedro has scored three goals in his ten league games with the Italian giants so far this season and at the age of 37 is still showing his class.
Pedro’s former Premier League opponent, during his time at Chelsea, Paul Pogba has been linked to Inter Miami.
Mascherano and Pedro played together in a five-year stint at Barca and the pair could be looking to link up again in Miami as Pedro’s playing career winds down.
Despite boasting the talent of Lionel Messi, who can play as a winger, the club are somewhat short in the wide areas. Pedro could prove a huge asset to the team as they look to improve on last year’s outing.
It’s clear that Mascherano and David Beckham will be busy ahead of the new MLS season as they look to recruit the best on the market.