Inter Miami are yet to make any incomings this summer but they have seen some key players leave, none bigger than Diego Gomez.
The Paraguayan joined Premier League side Brighton and thanked the Heron’s fans for their support during his time at the club.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler was all praise for Gomez who will certainly need a period of adjustment before playing regular Premier League football.
Gomez made 19 MLS appearances last season adding three goals and four assists but was known more for his ability to break-up play in the midfield.
New manager Javier Mascherano has yet to put his stamp on the Inter Miami side but his first job could be finding a replacement for Gomez.
Here are a few players who could fit the bill.
Koke
The Spanish midfielder is a bit of a La Liga legend and has spent his whole career with Atletico Madrid, a very rare thing in today’s game.
The 32-year-old has won two La Liga titles and two Europa League’s, along with many other trophies, in his 15 years with the first team.
Despite his long-standing service to the club he has found his game time severely reduced in the last season, he has lost his spot to Rodrigo De Paul and youngster Pablo Barrios.
The Spaniard is known for his no-nonsense tackling but his ability on the ball adds a second-string to his bow. He would also bring vast levels of experience having just featured in his 100th Champions League game.
Koke is out of contract this summer meaning Inter Miami could approach the star in January.
Inter Miami already has a strong La Liga feel to the side with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez who recently signed a new contract and Sergio Busquets already at the club to name a few. Therefore Koke would likely fit in pretty quickly.
A midfield duo of Busquets and Koke could be game-changing.
Ilkay Gundogan
Despite only re-joining Machester City this season, from Barcelona, Ilkay Gundogan could be looking for a new club next season.
The German international, who has over 350 club appearances to his name, is another out-of-contract star this summer and could be looking for a new challenge.
Gundogan is getting into the later stages of his career at 35 but is still highlighting his ability to perform as a midfield general in the Premier League.
Back in 2022 GOAL reported that Gundogan would be open to a move to the MLS, it is likely that this would still be the case especially as he nears the final chapters of his career.
Playing for some of the biggest club sides in the world over his career including Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund there is no doubt that Gundogan has a lot of match craft that would benefit Inter Miami.
The former Barcelona star will of course also understand the style of football that Javier Mascherano and the likes of Lionel Messi will want to play.
Leandro Paredes
Perhaps the most interesting acquisition of the three could be Argentinian midfielder Leandro Paredes.
His obvious ties with Messi stretch from international football to their playing time with Paris Saint-Germain. Messi recently celebrated one of their greatest footballing achievements, winning the World Cup.
Paredes is currently with Italian side AS Roma but he is yet to sign a new deal with the club, he would become a free agent in the summer.
The midfield veteran ticks a lot of boxes for Inter Miami and is a much closer fit to the departing Diego Gomez than perhaps Gundogan or Koke.
Paredes is known for his no-nonsense approach to the game and isn’t shy about getting stuck in, often resulting in a few yellow cards.
New manager Mascherano will certainly enjoy that side of his game and Paredes could be joined by some fellow Argentinian stars.
Inter Miami have been linked with Nicolas Otamendi and Nicolas Tagliafico appeared to send a come and get me plea to the Herons.
While a deal to bring in any of these star names will be tricky it’s not out of the realm for David Beckham and the hierarchy to push the boat out, just look at the Messi signing.