Inter Miami could be set for one of their biggest transfer windows in franchise history with Javier Mascherano at the helm.
The former FC Barcelona defender was named as Tata Martino’s successor last month with Mascherano taking on his first club role in management after two years with Argentina’s youth sides, with the 40-year-old coach having some big plans in regards to transfers.
Mascherano is reportedly interested in signing Angel Di Maria with Inter Miami still rumored with a move for Neymar, with the Herons set to make a big-name addition or two heading into the January transfer window.
And Inter Miami are seemingly closing in on another former Barcelona defender.
Inter Miami close to signing former Barcelona star Marc Bartra
According to Ole, Inter Miami are close to securing the transfer of Real Betis center-back and former Spain international Marc Bartra, who came through Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy to make over 100 appearances with the Catalan giants.
A former teammate of Mascherano’s as well as Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, Bartra won two UEFA Champions League titles with Barcelona as well as five La Liga championships, with the defender also playing for the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Trabzonspor.
With Inter Miami defender Nicolas Freire announcing his departure from the Florida franchise, a new center-back is a must for the Chase Stadium, especially with the Herons already having a poor defensive record last season.
And in Bartra, Inter Miami could have the savior they need at the back, with the 33-year-old at a perfect age to join the reigning Supporters’ Shield champions and to forge a new legacy for himself alongside his former Barcelona teammates.
Which Inter Miami players has Bartra played with?
With over 100 appearances for Barcelona and 13 titles won with the European giants, it’s safe to say that Bartra is part of the Catalan side’s modern-day DNA having featured at a key part in the club’s history.
| Marc Bartra’s former Barcelona teammates | Games played together |
| Lionel Messi | 74 |
| Sergio Busquets | 69 |
| Javier Mascherano | 57 |
| Jordi Alba | 51 |
| Luis Suarz | 31 |
As per the table above, Bartra will have no trouble adapting to Inter Miami’s style of play having played so many games with the likes of Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, with the defender also partnering Mascherano in 57 games.
Indeed, Bartra would suit Inter Miami’s philosophy to a tee if the center-back was to join this January, and the Herons could have a defender on their hands who could be immense in improving their backline for 2025.