Will River Plate’s Enzo Pérez join Inter Miami for 2024 MLS season?

Inter Miami are reportedly closing in on the signing of River Plate captain Enzo Pérez ahead of the 2024 MLS season.

Pérez soon to be a free agent

Argentinian radio station Radio Continental claims that Miami have reached an agreement in principle with Pérez, who would join the Florida franchise on a free transfer.

The 37-year-old central midfielder is out of contract at River at the end of December.

The former Argentina international has been at the Buenos Aires club since 2017, helping Los Millonarios to two league championships and two domestic cups, as well as the Copa Libertadores title in 2018.

Inter Miami working to bolster midfield

A move for Pérez would be consistent with the information that AS has on Miami’s transfer strategy.

This newspaper understands that the Herons have been eager to add further high-quality midfield options to go with summer signing Sergio Busquets, but haven’t been looking at big-name European targets.

Were Pérez to move to DRV PNK Stadium, he would be reunited with former international team-mate Lionel Messi, alongside whom he was a World Cup runner-up with Argentina in 2014.

Miami also poised to boost striking options

News of Pérez’s potential move to Miami comes as the 2023 Leagues Cup winners prepare to sign centre-forward Luis Suárez from Grêmio.

Suárez is expected to move to MLS after his contract expires at the end of 2023, with Grêmio head coach Renato Gaúcho telling reporters this week that only a “miracle” will see the Brazilian club keep hold of the Uruguayan.

Miami all set for Messi “Noche d’Or”

In the 2024 MLS season, which begins early next year, Miami will be bidding to return to the playoffs after finishing 14th in the Eastern Conference this season.

As they are not involved in the 2023 MLS postseason, which runs until 9 December, Miami have arranged a friendly with New York City on Friday. The game, which the franchise have branded the “Noche d’Or”, will be used to celebrate Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or win.

Miami had arranged a two-game tour to China this month, but announced its cancellation last week.