Home

Soccer

Inter Miami’s Offer for $2.7m-Rated Defender Rejected, Despite Lionel Messi’s Influence: Reports

Published 12/27/2023, 1:49 PM EST

Follow Us

via Imago

Inter Miami made a dazzling start to the transfer window by securing the signature of Luis Suarez on a free transfer. The former Barcelona star’s reunion with Lionel Messi has set the stage for an exciting season. However, their ambitions don’t stop there. The MLS side is actively seeking further acquisitions before the upcoming season.

Unfortunately, their pursuit hit a hurdle, as a club rejected their $2.7 million offer for their able defender. This setback suggests that the club might witness a flurry of player movements in the coming weeks. It’s anticipated that the squad for the upcoming season could undergo significant changes compared to last season under Tata Martino.

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami offer gets rejected for a highly-rated defender

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Inter Miami has bolstered their forward line with the addition of Luis Suarez on a free transfer. Now, their focus is on shoring up their defense. According to reports, they pursued River Plate defender David Martinez, a highly-rated Paraguayan center-back. However, River Plate rejected the offer, signaling their high regard for the player. Notably, Inter Miami faces competition for his signature, with Paraguayan giants Club Libertad also making an unsuccessful bid.

At 25 years old, Martinez’s impact was limited due to injuries, playing only 108 minutes this season. However, expectations are high for his return to full fitness in the upcoming season. River Plate’s rejection of offers suggests their valuation of the defender, although his contract situation remains uncertain. 

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest Soccer stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

With his contract expiring at the end of the next season, this presents a crucial opportunity for River Plate to secure a transfer fee from his potential exit. It means a glorious opportunity could arise for Lionel Messi and Co to sign their transfer target.

“He Transmits Passion” – Gabriela Sabatini Reflects on Her Admiration For Lionel Messi

For Inter Miami, continuing David Martinez aligns with their defensive needs for the upcoming season. Addressing last season’s defensive issues is crucial for the team’s progress.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Inter Miami focused on sorting out its defensive issues

Despite Lionel Messi’s outstanding performances in the latter part of the season, Inter Miami faced disappointment for failing to advance to the playoffs, finishing 14th among 15 teams in the Eastern Conference. A prominent cause behind their struggle was defensive lapses, evident in the 54 goals conceded, a troubling statistic that only worsened, with Toronto being the sole team to concede more goals.

To address this issue, the team is actively pursuing River Plate defender David Martinez. Additionally, reports suggest that Lionel Messi, alongside the Herons, there are talks to bring former Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo on board. This potential transfer underscores their concerted effort to fortify the team’s defensive line ahead of the upcoming season. Lionel Messi even made a call to the defender to convince him to sign for the MLS club.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

WATCH THIS STORY: Cristiano Jr’s Insane Training Schedule

The latest transfer stirs are certainly a move in the right direction for Inter Miami. But will the Herons be able to sign both of their South American center-backs? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Anuj Nikhil Virjiani

497Articles

One take at a time

I can't express how deep my passion for the sport runs, especially when it comes to the English Premier League. Over the years, I've dedicated myself to understanding the intricate details of the game, both on and off the field. What's fascinating is that my beloved club is Newcastle United, and I've been on a rollercoaster journey with them, from their triumphant promotion from the second tier to the recent takeover and even their remarkable qualification for the Champions League last season.
Show More>

Edited by:

Jacob Gijy