After acquiring Lionel Messi, Inter Miami began to reassemble its team on Wednesday by adding Paraguayan international midfielder Diego Gomez.
The 20-year-old comes from Paraguayan club Libertad, where Miami’s new head coach Gerardo Martino spent two seasons. He joins Miami on a two and a half year agreement.
Gomez joins Messi and Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets as the third player to sign with Inter, who are now last in Major League Soccer.
Spanish left-back Jordi Alba, a third ex-Barcelona player, is anticipated to finalize his transfer to Miami soon.
“Diego is a well-rounded midfielder that we believe will contribute in all phases of the game,” said Miami’s sporting director Chris Henderson.
“We believe in his ability and potential, and feel he will be a strong addition to our squad as we enter this next phase of growth at Inter Miami.”
Gomez played for Libertad in 51 games and was a member of two teams that won national championships. He led the Under-20 national team of Paraguay and has since made four appearances for the full team.
Jorge Mas, the owner of Inter Miami, stated on Tuesday that more additions were anticipated during this window.
Facundo Farias, a 20-year-old Argentine midfielder, is another young South American who has verbally agreed to join the team, according to Mas.
The Miami owner also mentioned that two young players from the Argentine league, striker Brian Aguirre of Newell’s Old Boys and central defender Tomas Aviles of Racing Club, are the subject of ongoing negotiations.
Luis Suarez, a 36-year-old Uruguayan international striker who previously played for Barcelona and Liverpool, might be another addition if he is able to break free from his contract with Brazilian club Gremio, according to Mas.
“I don’t know how Luis Suarez can leave Gremio. But if he does we are free to talk to Luis and bring him to Inter Miami. That possibility would be there,” he said.
Messi and Busquets could make their debut for their new club on Friday against Mexico’s Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.
