After a bittersweet end to the year that saw them miss the playoffs, Inter Miami will want to revamp their roster.
Despite winning the Leagues Cup and signing Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, the team fell short of their goal of keeping that momentum going and making the post-season. As the Herons pivot to 2024 and look to add to their trophy cabinet, a refresh in a couple of positions is a must.
Miami will need to bring in pieces that will complement Messi and his playing style.
However, before the off-season transfer business can begin, the three players on this list are worth taking a second look at. Not only are they solid players for the amount of wages they’re on, but each player has contributed to Miami’s attack in one way or another.
Robert Taylor
Robert Taylor was the first non-summer signing to click with Messi. The Finland international immediately formed an excellent attacking partnership with the Argentine, scoring four goals and assisting three in seven games alongside the World Cup winner.
As the season progressed, however, Taylor’s form tended to drop. There were times when the 28-year-old would ghost through games and rarely have an impact. However, many of those matches happened when the winger was played out of position.
Despite his struggles, when he’s in form, Taylor is arguably one of Miami’s most dangerous attacking threats.
Given that his contract expires at the end of the year, Inter Miami will need to make a decision on his immediate future. Nevertheless, it’s difficult to see the Herons not picking the option to extend him into 2024, especially when his base salary is only $270,000.
Nicolas Stefanelli
Nicolas Stefanelli is an intriguing player for the Herons.
The forward was out of favor and relegated to the sidelines due to an injury. He only recently came back to the team during the latter half of the season.
It’s difficult to pinpoint where his best position is, but Stefanelli is a player that could be useful for Tata Martino in the long run. Though he doesn’t have a set place on the field, the Argentine is an extremely crafty player who excels at playing on the wings and as a center forward.
Take Inter Miami’s most recent match against Charlotte. Stefanelli was deployed as an inside forward and thrived, ending the game with a goal and two passes into the final third.
Like Taylor’s relatively low base pay, Stefanelli’s salary is only $400,000, which is less than some of his other counterparts on the roster. Though his status for next season is up in the air, the 28-year-old should have a place on Miami’s squad.
Robbie Robinson
Robbie Robinson is a controversial player among Inter Miami fan circles.
The former number-one MLS Super Draft pick started his career in South Florida on a high note, starting in the team’s first game in club history against LAFC on March 1, 2020.
Unfortunately, injuries plagued the speedy forward, and the high expectations set on him by many have fallen.
But when fit, Robinson is the only direct winger Inter Miami has on the squad at the moment. He’s quick, physically strong, and has a knack for driving in on goal.
Similarly, like Taylor and Stefanelli, Robinson is on a low base salary of $200,000. The 24-year-old has a lot of talent, and when fit, can be a potent attacking player on Inter Miami’s left side.
In the end, it will be up to Miami’s front office to decide who they want to retain. But for the value, it may be best to keep the trio on the roster.