River Plate is reportedly set to retain Inter Miami defender Leandro Gonzalez Pirez.
TNT Sports Argentina claims that the Buenos Aires-based team will exercise its $200,000 purchase option to keep the defender at the club.
Gonzalez Pirez joined Inter Miami during its inaugural season in 2020. He enjoyed minor success with the team, conducting them to a disappointing 11th-place finish in 2021
He was subsequently loaned to River in early 2022 after a two-year stint with Inter Miami from 2020 to 2021.
At River, the defender has been fruitful, playing 46 games during his time with the club. Should Los Millonarios keep him on the team, then Gonzalez Pirez would make a solid addition to their squad.
Inter Miami’s defense heading into 2024
Though losing out on Gonzalez Pirez will hurt, Inter Miami has plenty of young and experienced defenders on the squad.
Kamal Miller, Tomas Aviles, Serhiy Kryvtsov, and Noah Allen have held down the center-back spot this season.
However, there were games in 2023 where Miami struggled to defend against speedy wingers. The Heron’s 5-2 loss against Atlanta United on September 16th was a prime example of that. Atlanta’s front line was too much for Miami to handle, and the team’s back line couldn’t keep up with their intensity.
As the team shifts focus to 2024, extra depth will be needed if Miami wants to challenge for more silverware.
While Gonzalez Pirez reportedly won’t return to the team, there will be plenty of players abroad and within Major League Soccer that could help improve Miami’s defense.
With Luis Suárez allegedly on his way in the winter and a full off-season of rest for the team, Miami will undoubtedly be one of the favorites to win MLS Cup or even the Supporters Shield next year.