Inter Miami is gearing up for major changes in its lineup as the club prepares for the 2025 MLS season. Under the leadership of new head coach Javier Mascherano, the team has confirmed that six players will be leaving, signaling a fresh start and a renewed push for glory in the coming year.
The departures include Cole Jensen, Sergii Kryvtsov, Franco Negri, Lawson Sunderland, and Felipe Valencia. Additionally, defender Nicolás Freire will return to Pumas UNAM in Mexico as his loan period has concluded. These moves reflect a strategic overhaul as Mascherano sets his sights on optimizing the squad for better performance.
The club is not only focusing on departures but also on securing key players for the future. Talks are currently underway to extend the contracts of Paraguayan midfielder Matías Rojas and Argentine goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, highlighting the club’s commitment to maintaining a strong core group. The negotiations with Ustari aim to secure a one-year extension, ensuring stability between the posts.
Strengthening the Squad
In addition to contract extensions, Inter Miami has exercised the contract options for several players including Leo Afonso, Jordi Alba, Yannick Bright, CJ dos Santos, Ian Fray, Ryan Sailor, and Marcelo Weigandt. This move secures a significant part of the team’s roster, providing a solid foundation for the 2025 season.
The club has also provided clarity on the contractual status of its current roster, listing players who are already secured for the upcoming season. This list includes talents across all positions, ensuring that Inter Miami has a balanced team ready to challenge for the top spots in MLS.
Eyeing Big Names: The Neymar Dream
Beyond roster changes, Inter Miami president Jorge Mas has sparked excitement with talks about potentially signing Neymar, aiming to reunite him with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. While currently under contract with Al-Hilal, Neymar’s acquisition remains a dream, contingent on his availability and league regulations.
Mas expressed a strong desire to bring top-tier talent to Miami, emphasizing the club’s ambitious plans despite MLS’s roster limitations. “If there’s ever an opportunity to bring a player of Neymar’s caliber, we won’t hesitate,” Mas stated, underscoring the club’s aspirational stance.
Looking Ahead
With the 2025 season on the horizon, Inter Miami is clearly in a transitional phase, focusing on both strategic exits and key acquisitions. The leadership of Javier Mascherano and the guidance of experienced players like Lionel Messi will be crucial as the team aims to surpass its previous performances and make a significant impact in the MLS.