Lionel Messi’s former Barcelona teammate focused by Javier Mascherano’s Inter Miami

Inter Miami CF’s offseason roster overhaul continues to deal with gamers with a connection to Lionel Messi’s previous. Following the signing of Javier Mascherano, one other former Barcelona participant, Marc Bartra, is closely linked with a transfer to South Florida.

Inter Miami’s recruitment technique has prioritized gamers with shared expertise alongside Messi. This began with the signings of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets in July 2023, adopted by Luis Suárez final offseason.

The additions of those former Barcelona teammates helped Inter Miami win their first trophy, the 2023 Leagues Cup, and are now coached by one other former Barcelona teammate, Javier Mascherano.

In response to Balbu Sports activities, Actual Betis defender Marc Bartra is the frontrunner to be Mascherano’s first signing. Bartra is a product of La Masia, Barcelona’s academy, and made 59 first-team appearances between 2010 and 2016. His profession continued at Borussia Dortmund and Actual Betis, with 14 appearances for the Spanish nationwide staff.

Addressing defensive wants

Bartra would handle a big want for Inter Miami: upgrading their center-back place. With Sergii Kryvtsov and Nicolás Freire’s contracts expiring, strengthening the protection is a precedence.

Whereas the staff’s assault thrived final season (Messi and Suárez every scored 20 targets), their protection conceded 1.4 targets per recreation in the course of the 2024 common season and 6 targets throughout their three-game MLS Cup playoff exit towards Atlanta United.

Stories counsel Inter Miami can also be exploring the risk of signing Argentinian goalkeeper Nahuel Losada, including additional depth to the staff’s defensive choices. Whereas high-profile names like Kevin De Bruyne, Paul Pogba, and Neymar have been linked to Inter Miami, a defender like Bartra is the next precedence given the staff’s quick wants.

Loading…