After cracking the blockbuster deal by securing Lionel Messi’s service, MLS club, Inter Miami is showing no signs of slowing down as they close in on signing Spanish legends, Sergio Ramos and Jordi Alba. If the deals come through, it means the Spaniards would reunite with their long-time teammate Sergio Busquets and Lionel Messi who joined Inter from Barcelona this summer.
Free Agents Alba and Ramos
Source: El Mundo
According to a Spanish source, Ramos, who is now a free agent, is in talks with the American club. Ramos joined Paris Saint-Germain from Real Madrid in 2021 as part of a star-studded contingent along with Messi, Achraf Hakimi, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Wijnaldum. He is now a free agent after not renewing his contract at PSG.
The 2010 world champion’s 2-year stint with the French club has been plagued by injuries and a lack of major success. The former Real Madrid captain is considered one of the best defenders of all time and has won 5 La Ligas and four UCLs for the club. Ramos, however, is also reported to be in talks with Sevilla, where he started his senior career.
David Beckham, the co-owner of Inter Miami, is also reported to have his eyes set on Spanish left-back Jordi Alba. The 34-year-old has won five League titles and Copa del Reys with Barcelona and famously combined with Messi to assist innumerable goals.
Alba bid farewell to the Blaugranas after terminating his contract as he enjoyed less game time under Xavi. Spanish outlet Sport believes that the player is in advanced negotiations with the Florida club.
MLS’ Galacticos?
Source: Reuters
The United States have been attracting football’s veteran superstars, who are in the twilight of their career, since the ‘70s, the most notable being Pele, who signed for New York Cosmos in 1975. This saw an influx of global superstars in America with players like Johan Cruyff, Franz Beckenbauer, David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Andre Pirlo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, and David Villa to only name a few, who have played in the North American country in the last five decades.
Football has been steadily rising in popularity in the US, trying to rival Basketball, Baseball, and American Football (Rugby). But Messi’s arrival could be the turning point for the game. Although American fans are no stranger to stars, no one since Pele, had the same stature and commanded similar respect as Lionel Messi, who, according to many experts, have already eclipsed the Brazilian and Diego Maradona as the greatest player of all time after his world cup triumph with Argentina last year.
Source: theScore.com
The possibility of two of the most decorated players of all time in Ramos and Alba, along with Messi and Busquets would attract massive crowds across the country. This would also reinforce US’ status as a potential powerhouse of the world game. The United States is set to host the 2026 Fifa World Cup, along with neighboring nations Canada and Mexico.
Inter Miami, as of now, look to be confident about pulling off an unprecedented transfer window by roping in a handful of big names much in the vein of Real Madrid’s Galactico era. The MLS outfit were also reported to be in talks with Messi’s former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez in an attempt to replicate one of the most deadly attacking duos of all time.
