Rooney identifies first Birmingham signing to pave way for Luis Suarez transfer

29 October 2023 , 22:31

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Birmingham City boss Wayne Rooney may turn his attentions to a former MLS rival as he looks to put his own stamp on his team (Image: Steve Bardens/Getty Images)

Wayne Rooney could turn to one of Lionel Messi's Inter Miami teammates as he looks to put his own stamp on his Birmingham City side in the upcoming transfer window.

The former England captain has experienced a difficult start to his reign at St Andrew's, with his team having slumped to defeat in each of his opening three games as boss. Rooney was a controversial appointment by the club's ambitious US owners, especially following the sacking of popular predecessor John Eustace.

The 38-year-old would oversee the Blues' comprehensive 3-1 loss away at Southampton, with this coming after losses against Hull City and Middlesbrough. However, it appears that the former Manchester United hero is keeping the faith, despite a poor start to his tenure in the Second City.

It seems that Rooney already has one eye on January, with a potential move for Inter Miami's Josef Martinez purportedly on the cards. According to Alan Nixon via Patreon, the Blues head coach could look to lure Messi's colleague to the EFL Championship upon the expiry of the forward's contract.

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The Venezuelan star has has only played for Miami for one season, having been a mainstay for rivals Atlanta United prior to his move to Florida. The 30-year-old, who scored 105 times in 161 appearances in MLS, has already been informed by Vice City boss Tata Martino that he will not be retained for next term.

That would hypothetically open a window of opportunity for potential European suitors who could take advantage of his availability in January. The striker's contract will expire on December 31 and it has been mooted that Miami will look to sign Luis Suarez to replace him in due course.

Although Martinez does not currently occupy a Designated Player slot, he does currently take up a place on the Herons' international players roster. In addition, head coach Martino has openly admitted that he has been preparing for the potential arrival of Suarez alongside his backroom staff.

Birmingham City's Wayne Rooney has been unable to inspire his team so far and may turn to an Inter Miami star in January (Steve Bardens/Getty Images)

The Argentine confirmed: 'Within our analysis of the upcoming season, and the needs we may have, we have an analysis with Luis and an analysis without Luis So when the moment arrives to make Suarez's situation with respect to Inter Miami official, we'll be prepared to go in the corresponding direction.'

Birmingham boss Rooney has made no concrete statements about potential incomings but has made no secret of the need for his current players to adapt to his demands quickly. Speaking after Brum's loss against Hull City previously, he did admit that reinforcements may be sought.

He said: "Of course you want to change how you want to play, I'm very clear on that, but I don't want to put someone completely out of their comfort zone. The last two games, in terms of building out from the back, we have done that. It's something for me to adjust, and through January and the summer we'll start gradually building our squad for what we want, but that's not to say the players now don't have an opportunity to show me what they can do and that they're on board with it."

Tom Beattie