Inter Miami Set to Sign Uruguay Forward Luis Suarez on One-Year Contract
Inter Miami is on the verge of finalizing a deal to bring Uruguay forward Luis Suarez to the team on a one-year contract, according to sources familiar with the agreement. This move will reunite Suarez with his former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, who achieved great success together from 2014 to 2020, winning four La Liga titles and a Champions League.
Uncertainty remains regarding the cap designation for Suarez, as the league is expected to discuss potential roster rule changes in the coming winter. Inter Miami, along with all other MLS teams, will have until the roster compliance date to determine the designations on their roster. The roster compliance date falls on the Friday evening before the opening weekend of the MLS season.
MLS clubs are allowed three designated players (DPs), with Messi, Busquets, and Gregore serving as Miami’s DPs last season. However, Miami has the option to buy down Gregore’s contract to free up a spot if they choose to do so.
Inter Miami made way for Suarez by letting go of forward Josef Martinez this offseason. The club also has Ecuador international forward Leo Campana on its roster. Given the number of games Miami is expected to play in 2024 across various competitions, including the league, U.S. Open Cup, CONCACAF Champions Cup, and Leagues Cup, having multiple options in all positions is crucial. The attacking lineup will feature Messi, Suarez, Campana, Facundo Farias, Robert Taylor, Robbie Robinson, and others.
Suarez, who will turn 37 in January, spent the previous year playing for Brazilian side Gremio. Despite being hampered by a knee injury that requires constant medical attention, Suarez managed to score 24 goals and provide 17 assists in 52 appearances for Gremio. However, it is unlikely that he will be fit to play every game for Miami due to his injury concerns. Suarez has spoken openly about the pain he experiences and the challenges he faces due to cartilage wear in his knee.
The opportunity to play alongside Messi once again has been a long-standing desire for Suarez. He expressed his gratitude for being able to make decisions about his future and spend more time with his children, who have sacrificed their vacation time to support him.
Suarez has had an illustrious career, playing for top clubs such as Liverpool, Atletico Madrid, Ajax, Groningen, and Nacional. Now, he is ready to embark on a new chapter in MLS with Inter Miami.
Additional reporting by David Ornstein.
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