MIAMI — Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas posted a cryptic message on Twitter a few weeks ago with a photo of three blank pink jerseys with the caption: “Coming Soon. Si.”
The world now knows that two shirts were for Argentine icon Lionel Messi and his former FC Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets. Both are expected to finalize their contracts in the coming days, be formally introduced July 16 and debut on July 21.
The third big signing will be former Barcelona left back and Spanish national team captain Jordi Alba, according to a league source with knowledge of the negotiations. Alba will sign as soon as Friday and will reunite with his former Barcelona teammates and coach Tata Martino, who coached Barcelona in 2013-14.
Alba, 34 and a free agent, will not occupy one of Miami’s three designated player spots. The Spaniard made $24 million last season, so he will take a drastic pay cut in order to play for Miami.
Inter Miami, which is in last place in the Eastern Conference standings heading into Saturday’s game at D.C. United, is in dire need of a left back with the season-ending injury to Franco Negri.
Alba played 11 seasons and made 459 appearances with Barcelona and won six La Liga titles, five Copa del Reys and the UEFA Champions League. He also has played 93 games with the Spanish national team.
He had a tearful farewell after his final game with Barcelona. His farewell message on social media said: “Thanks to my parents and my brother for all they have taught me; to my friends for sharing the journey with me; and to all teammates, staff, coaches, presidents and employees I have coincided with during 18 years in total with this club. Thanks also to my children for the strength they give me every day and to my wife for all she does, without them none of this is possible.”
Alba fielded offers from Saudi Arabian clubs but opted to join Messi and Busquets in Major League Soccer.
MLS teams have a $5.2 million base salary cap and can get an additional $1.9 million in General Allocation Money and $2.7 million in Targeted Allocation Money, to offer flexibility to acquire higher-priced players. Each team can have a maximum of three Designated Players whose compensation is unlimited and exceeds the maximum roster budget charge ($612,500).
Two of Miami’s three DP spots will be used for Messi and Busquets and third will likely stay with existing player Leo Campana. Midfielder Rodolfo Pizarro, the club’s first DP, is making $3.35 million this season is expected to be traded to the Los Angeles Galaxy and captain Gregore, who is recovering from foot surgery, is expected to have his contract restructured to a non-DP designation.
