Lionel Messi has helped lead Inter Miami to the most effective MLS season in franchise historical past regardless of main roster turnover firstly of 2025. Nonetheless, forward of subsequent season, the membership might want to handle the looming departure of Jordi Alba, and the Herons are reportedly concentrating on an MLS standout to switch him.
Jordi Alba has been considered one of Inter Miami’s most influential gamers in 2025, showing in 51 matches whereas scoring eight targets and offering 16 assists from the left again place. These numbers make his determination to retire on the finish of the season much more shocking, however the necessity to exchange his manufacturing has pushed the Fort Lauderdale membership to seek for one other top-tier choice inside the league.
In response to Sky Sports activities’ Patrick Berger and switch knowledgeable Uriel Lugt, Inter Miami have recognized Kai Wagner as Alba’s successor. The German left again is coming off a Supporters’ Protect–successful season with the Philadelphia Union, and given the dimensions of the void Alba will depart behind, Miami’s curiosity in Wagner has intensified.
Actually, talks have already taken place with Wagner’s camp, signaling that Miami are transferring aggressively for his signature. Wagner’s contract with the Union expires in December 2026, that means Philadelphia would want to contemplate a winter or summer season transfer if an extension isn’t reached to keep away from shedding him without cost.
Kai Wagner #27 of Philadelphia Union.
Extensively considered considered one of MLS’s finest left backs, Wagner has tallied seven targets and 46 assists throughout 201 league matches since becoming a member of the Union in 2019. With a launch clause reportedly round $1.5 million (regardless of his Transfermarkt valuation being nearer to €5 million), he represents a high-quality and cost-effective choice for Miami’s left flank.
see additionally
Lionel Messi might face main blow as Inter Miami star addresses unsure 2026 contract: ‘A variety of issues can occur’
What about Sergio Reguilonto Inter Miami?
Messi has performed greater than 400 matches — particularly, 420 — alongside Jordi Alba for each FC Barcelona and Inter Miami. The chemistry they constructed over greater than a decade shall be almost unattainable to duplicate, leaving questions on whether or not a brand new signing can match that connection, particularly after latest uncertainty surrounding Sergio Reguilón and Miami’s rising pursuit of Wagner.
In October, Fabrizio Romano reported that Reguilón turned down a number of proposals from Europe and Asia, together with larger salaries than what Inter Miami might supply. His precedence, nonetheless, was to affix Messi in South Florida, with talks reportedly at a complicated stage.
Since then, no deal has been introduced and updates have gone quiet. After leaving Tottenham Hotspur on a free switch final summer season and remaining a free agent, Reguilón now seems to have been overtaken by Wagner on Miami’s want record because the membership seeks a extra confirmed and MLS-ready choice. Nonetheless, given the squad’s robust Spanish-speaking core, it stays to be seen what route the Herons finally select.
