While it might be Saudi Arabia’s blockbuster takeover attempt that has stolen most of the headlines this summer, the Middle Eastern giants are not the only emerging market that have made a seismic statement in 2023.
Watching Inter Miami stun the football world last month and complete one of the most historic swoops of the modern-era as they welcomed seven-time Ballon d’Or winner to the United States, the Herons are embarking on a superstar makeover.
Along with announcing the arrival of Messi last month, fellow former Barcelona icon Sergio Busquets has also confirmed that he is the latest European giant that will be heading to Miami this summer.
Likewise, after appointing former Mexico boss last week, David Beckhman’s budding franchise are still publicly looking to break the bank further.
Already stating that they are looking to recruit a host of big-name superstars this summer, we have taken a look at three international icons that have been linked with a Stateside switch over the coming weeks.
Sergio Ramos
Although Messi’s arrival in Florida might have sent the footballing world into overdrive, it appears that have their sights set on snapping up another modern-era icon this summer.
While might have played a crucial role as PSG claimed yet another Ligue 1 crown last season, it is fair to say that the former Spain captain failed to fully adjust to life in Paris after leaving Los Blancos two years ago.
Following Messi out of the French capital after his contract expired last month, it appears that the two World Cup winners could be reunited immediately.
According to a report by in his native Spain over the weekend, Ramos and Miami are just one step away from an agreement after a successful round of talks and it has been suggested that the 37-year-old is excited by the prospect of a move Stateside.
With Ramos spending time working alongside Beckham during the 48-year-old’s four-year tenure at , it is believed that the former England skipper is working tirelessly to strike up what could be another monumental deal.
Jordi Alba
While Ramos might be inching closer towards a blockbuster move to Florida this summer, the ex-Real Madrid icon is not the only World Cup winner that could be following Messi out to the United States.
Although might have made 24 La Liga appearances last season as Barcelona claimed a first domestic crown since 2019, the 34-year-old is a free agent after failing to agree terms on a new deal at the Nou Camp.
Despite cementing his spot as a fan favourite in Catalonia after arriving from Valencia 11 years ago, the 93-cap international appears to be at the top of Inter Miami’s wishlist this summer.
Already welcoming both former teammates Messi and Busquets to Florida over the past few weeks, Miami president Jorge Mas confirmed the Herons’ interest in Alba over the weekend.
With reporting on Sunday that Alba is already advancing in negotiations over what could be a two-year deal, Miami have certainly held off some heavyweight interest.
Despite speculation over a potential move to the likes of Inter Miami and Atletico Madrid, it is the MLS giants who appear to be sat in the driving seat.
Jesse Lingard
While many around the City Ground when arrived on a one-year deal last summer, the former Manchester United ace drastically failed to find any stability during his uninspiring spell with Nottingham Forest.
Failing to muster a single Premier League goal or assist, the England international also struggled to nail down a regular first-team spot under Steve Cooper.
With the top-flight survivors announcing that they would be passing on the chance to extend Lingard’s stay in , the 30-year-old now finds himself without a new club ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
With it looking like none of Europe’s elite are willing to snap up the 32-cap international, Lingard has travelled over to Miami in a bid to keep fit.
Pictured training at the Herons’ training ground over the weekend, Lingard has certainly hinted that he could be set for an American adventure this summer.
While the former United star might have also announced last week that he is open to a potential bank-breaking move to Saudi Arabia, will feel that they can tempt Lingard into a first move outside of Europe.
