Josef Martinez’s time at Inter Miami is all but over.
Speaking to the media after Miami’s season finale loss against Charlotte FC, head coach Tata Martino confirmed that the former MLS MVP will not return to the club this winter: “I had not spoken because it is very difficult that he can continue in the institution for next season.”
Martinez wasn’t on Martino’s game-day roster against Charlotte, which led many to speculate his whereabouts. After the match, the Miami manager confirmed that the striker would not only be leaving the team but wouldn’t travel with the squad on their November trip to China.
The Venezuelan joined Inter Miami in January of this year, leaving his previous team Atlanta United after six years and an MLS Cup title.
Miami hoped that they could’ve recaptured the magic Martinez had before his knee injury. Unfortunately, it didn’t click as the ex-Torino man fell out of form, in favor of Ecuadorian forward Leonardo Campana.
Martinez will end his Inter Miami career having scored 12 goals in 40 matches.
Inter Miami’s striker revamp
Martinez’s imminent departure opens the door for a long-linked Uruguayan striker, Luis Suarez, to join the club this winter.
The 36-year-old has been keen on teaming back up with Lionel Messi since leaving Barcelona in 2020. Though many will scoff at his age, Suarez has been playing at a high level in Brazil despite his recurring knee issues.
In 43 matches for Gremio, the forward has scored 18 goals across all competitions, including a hat trick on his debut for the team.
Furthermore, Suarez has attacking chemistry with Messi and would give Miami a different dynamic in the final third. In the end, it’s looking increasingly likely that the former Barcelona star will go to MLS and get to play alongside Messi once more.