10 November 2023 , 07:00
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After Inter Miami agreed to sign Luis Suarez ahead of the 2024 MLS season, the veteran striker showed David Beckham exactly what he will bring to the club after netting a hat-trick for Gremio in a 4-3 win.
The Uruguayan scored a 19-minute hat-trick in the second half to secure a brilliant comeback for Gremio, who trailed 3-1 at half time against title rivals Botofogo. Gremio are now level on points with Botofogo at the top of the Brazilian Serie A, although they have an inferior goal difference and have played an extra game.
After signing ex-Barcelona trio Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets for free in the summer, Miami continued to be linked with Suarez who had made the move back to South America. After signing a two-year deal in December 2022 it was announced by Gremio coach Renato Gaucho that Suarez would leave the club at the end of 2023, with ESPN reporting that a deal with Miami had been agreed.
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Before Messi joined Miami they were managed by former Manchester United and Everton star Phil Neville, and rock bottom of the Eastern Conference. Shortly after Neville had been sacked, and then Messi, Busquets, and Alba were in town under the tenure of Argentine coach Gerardo Martino.
It was too late for Messi to assist in turning around their MLS campaign, but he did lead them to the Leagues Cup trophy - the first title in franchise history. The next MLS season brings a fresh opportunity for Miami, who are already expected to walk it, but Messi wants more signings.
It seems the Barcelona reunion is barely underway, as in addition to the capture of Suarez there could be a deal for midfielder Ivan Rakitic in progress. According to El Gol Digital, Messi has asked Beckham to try to sign Sevilla and Croatia midfielder Rakitic, with the player nearing the end of his current contract in Spain.
Sevilla reportedly want the midfielder to take a wage cut to re-sign, but although Miami may not be able to offer him huge wages due to MLS salary cap rules, what he could earn in endorsements and exposure could tempt him. Sevilla are currently 13th in La Liga, and are bottom of their Champions League group behind Lens, PSV, and leaders Arsenal.
Ivan Rakitic is set to become a free agent at the end of the seasonDue to the contrast in season dates Miami would have to sign Rakitic in January, although their transfer window begins on deadline day for European clubs. If they want to avoid paying a fee, they'll have to sign the midfielder upon the expiry of his contract on June 30, 2024.
It's the same tactic they used to bring Messi, Alba, and Busquets to the club, and now Suarez who will join next year. Rakitic will be aware of the interest but may not share the same intentions as his former teammates, but he would be joining the greatest team in MLS history.
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