Inter Miami had a whirlwind summer transfer window.
The signing of Lionel Messi has changed the club for the better. But, there is one player that, often, gets overlooked during these discussions about impact and changing the landscape of American football.
Sergio Busquets was signed by Inter Miami on July 16th, after months of negations that date back to January of this year.
The World Cup winner joined the Herons on a free transfer after spending 15 years at Barcelona.
When the club announced the Spaniard’s signing, Inter Miami’s midfield was in rough shape. At the beginning of the season, the Herons lost two of their starting midfielders, Jean Mota and Gregore, to long-term injuries, and had to fill the void with up-and-coming homegrown talent.
But, when Busquets stepped onto the pitch, he brought composure and progressive passing to a stagnant Miami midfield, something that the club needed.
The heart of Inter Miami’s midfield
Since he arrived in Miami, Busquets has played in all but one match for the Herons. At 35 years old, it’s incredibly impressive that the ex-Barcelona man can keep up in a physically demanding league like Major League Soccer.
Though he’s entered the twilight years of his career, Busquets is still capable of throwing his body on the line when Inter Miami needs him.
Busquets was also a key player during Miami’s run to the Leagues Cup title.
Off the pitch, Busquets has adjusted to life in South Florida well. When he spoke to the media ahead of Miami’s US Open Cup match against the Houston Dynamo on September 27, the Spaniard touched on his off-the-field life: “Yes, it’s been wonderful [living in Miami.] The people have treated us so well. Different than Europe, but it’s an easy way of life.”
As Miami pivots to 2024, Busquets will surely be the key man in the middle as the team looks to add more silverware.