Inter Miami may not be done making headlines in the transfer market as Luis Suarez is now linked with a move to the MLS club.
Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets were both unveiled in front of their new fans following their free transfers from PSG and Barcelona, respectively. Jordi Alba is also rumoured to be on the shortlist for the club after his decision to leave Barcelona.
Suarez could be the next big name to join the side owned by David Beckham. They certainly need the help as they sit bottom of the Eastern Conference of the MLS.
The Sporting News looks at the latest news surrounding Suarez's future and whether he will be reunited with Messi.
MORE: Lionel Messi results in massive Inter Miami price spike
Luis Suarez to Inter Miami latest
Argentine reporter Gaston Edul claims that Suarez and Inter Miami have been in talks for a long time and progress has been made. He says that the franchise expect a breakthrough soon.
Luis Suárez se acerca a Inter Miami. Están negociando hace tiempo y se avanzó.
— Gastón Edul (@gastonedul) July 18, 2023
En Inter Miami creen que lo van a tener en breve.
Another Argentine reporter, Cesar Luis Merlo, on the other hand states that a move could be difficult due to Brazilian club Gremio's stance on the situation. Merlo claims they will only let the striker leave if Miami trigger his release clause, which Inter consider to be too high.
Inter Miami manager Gerardo Martino would likely prefer the striker to arrive sooner rather than later so that he can rotate between Suarez and Josef Martinez in order try to help the Herons into a playoff spot.
MORE: Can Lionel Messi win 2023 MLS title? Inter Miami's playoff chances
Luis Suarez contract: How can Inter Miami sign him?
Suarez signed for Gremio on a free transfer in January 2023. His current deal with the club ends in December 2024, which is why he told Uruguayan outlet El Observador a move to Miami is 'impossible'.
He said: "This is false, it is impossible. I am very happy at Gremio and I have a contract until 2024."
Another possible barrier for Inter Miami could be the designated player (DP) rule in MLS. The league allows any MLS club to have a maximum of three players who can be paid above and beyond the salary budget cap that is the same for all teams at the start of every season.
Inter Miami already have three designated players on the books. In addition to Messi and Busquets, forward Leonardo Campana occupies the third slot.
Unless Suarez takes a pay cut to fit within the team's salary budget (therefore not requiring a Designated Player slot) it is likely that 22-year-old Campana would have to be moved on by the franchise to make way for Suarez.
If Alba was to join the club, the early reports are that he would not require a designated player classification.