Inter Miami is in for an exciting 2024.
Despite winning the Leagues Cup in the summer, the Herons failed to make the playoffs, ending a Cinderella-like season that saw them sign Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba.
As the next year approaches, the men in pink are making sure that they’re able to compete once more.
“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,” said club Sporting Director Chris Henderson.
“We’re looking at everything to [improve the squad.] We have high hopes for 2024, and we want to show what we can do as a club.”
Areas of desperate need for Inter Miami
The Herons intend to compete in 2024.
After missing out on the playoffs, the Fort Lauderdale club is laying the groundwork to challenge for MLS Cup.
Already, the club has signed ex-Liverpool striker Luis Suarez on a free transfer. Additionally, according to The Miami Herald, Inter Miami is also in talks to bring wing back and central midfielder Julian Gressel to the club.
Miami will be participating in several domestic and international tournaments next year, and manager Tata Martino will need all the roster help he can get.
Although many believe that Miami has a solid squad, there are still three glaring issues that could prevent the Messi-led side from competing consistently.
For Miami to not run itself ragged before the MLS Cup playoffs begin, they’ll need to invest in three positions.
First, another center back is needed within the squad. Though Kamal Miller and Serhiy Kryvtsov are serviceable options, the duo has shown weakness against speedy opposition forwards.
The last two positions that require refreshing are central and attacking midfield.
Messi will miss up to five MLS regular season games next year due to his participation in the Copa America. The Herons must bring in another attacking player who can fill a creative role in Miami’s starting eleven when the Argentine is gone.
As for central midfield, Sergio Busquets is getting older and won’t have the energy to cover every blade of grass on the pitch.
It’s imperative that Miami acquire a young, energetic midfielder who can cover the areas of the field that Busquets can’t quite reach.
Though there’s still time for Inter Miami’s front office to address these needs, the clock is ticking before the team’s first preseason match on January 19th.