Inter Miami CF head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino recently made it clear that the team will not be pursuing players like Benfica forward Ángel Di María and Boca Juniors goalkeeper Sergio Romero due to the strict roster rules imposed by Major League Soccer. Despite rumors circulating about a potential move for Di María, Martino stated in an interview with Paraguayan radio Monumental AM 1080 that the team is not in a position to accommodate such high-profile signings financially or legally.
Martino’s frustration with the league’s roster restrictions has been apparent for some time, with the coach highlighting the challenges faced by MLS teams in comparison to their Liga MX counterparts. He emphasized the need for deeper rosters to navigate through injuries and suspensions effectively, pointing out that as long as the current rules are in place, Liga MX teams will have the upper hand.
The current Designated Players on Inter Miami’s roster include Leonardo Campana, Sergio Busquets, and Lionel Messi. However, with limitations on total salary capacity, bringing in players like Di María would require significant roster adjustments. Players like Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba already count towards the salary cap, necessitating the offloading of certain players to create space for new acquisitions.
While Martino acknowledged the current constraints posed by the closed transfer window, he remains optimistic about the team’s future prospects. The coach hinted at exploring opportunities in the transfer market when the window reopens in mid-July, indicating that Inter Miami is open to enhancing the squad further. However, Martino stressed the importance of careful financial planning and compliance with league regulations in making any potential signings.
For the time being, Inter Miami will rely on their existing players to navigate through the 2024 MLS season and the upcoming Leagues Cup tournament. The team currently sits at the top of the Eastern Conference table with 21 points from 11 games, showcasing their competitiveness despite the roster limitations. As they prepare to face the New York Red Bulls in their next match at Chase Stadium, Martino and his team remain focused on maintaining their momentum and achieving success within the constraints of the MLS regulations.
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