Inter Miami will have a new striker in the coming weeks, but not without a hefty price tag.
After failing to make the playoffs in 2023, the South Florida club is looking to revamp its roster.
Per club Sporting Director Chris Henderson, Miami is evaluating every position within the organization: “We’re evaluating every department in our front office and performance staff, to support [Tata Martino] and his staff and all the players to make sure we’re performing everywhere in the club.”
Miami’s 2023 was bittersweet. Although they managed to win the Leagues Cup in August, a combination of fatigue and injuries derailed their season, which ultimately led to them missing the postseason.
But, the Heron’s offseason plans indicate that they’re ready to challenge for more trophies.
Luis Suárez’s hefty price tag, compared to Messi at Inter Miami
According to The Miami Herald, Inter Miami is reportedly finalizing a deal to bring ex-Barcelona forward Luis Suárez to the club.
Though the Uruguayan hasn’t put pen to paper, yet, it’s only a matter of time before ‘Lucho’ dons pink and black.
When Suárez joins the team, he’ll add a different dynamic to Miami’s attack. For Gremio last season, the 36-year-old scored 26 goals in 53 appearances for the Imortal Tricolor. With Lionel Messi providing for him in attack, that number could very well rise in 2024.
Additionally, the ex-Liverpool man has been wanted in Major League Soccer for years. Former Seattle Sounders midfielder and fellow Uruguayan international Nico Lodeiro has always urged Suárez to join the league one day.
As January creeps closer, Lodeiro may get his wish, but not without a hefty fee paid by Inter Miami.
Reports from Uruguayan newspaper El Observador claim that Inter Miami could offer the Champions League winner around a 4 million dollar wage yearly wage to convince him to join the squad.
“What was Josef Martínez’s salary? The Venezuelan had a base salary of US$ 4 million and a guaranteed compensation of US$ 4,391,667,” the article said.
“It is very likely that Luis Suárez’s salary will be in this range because clubs are not allowed to exceed their limits.”
Should the 36-year-old join Inter Miami on those wages, they would pale in comparison to what Messi earns.
The latest MLS Players Association Salary guide states that the Argentine international makes a whopping $20.4 million a year.
Whatever, Suárez ends up earning in the end, the Uruguayan will make an excellent strike partner with his former Barcelona teammate.