So... What About Inter Miami's Center back Situation?
Inter Miami is in a slight dilemma.
After missing out on the playoffs in 2023, the Herons are making sure that they don’t repeat the same mistakes as last season.
“We’re looking at everything to [improve the squad.] We have high hopes for 2024, and we want to show what we can do as a club,” said Chris Henderson in his end-of-year conference.
“Winning trophies and having high ambition is something we’ve had since day one.”
To win more silverware next season, the Herons must improve on the defensive end.
Last season, it was evident that the back line was the weakest spot in Miami’s starting eleven. Though rife with experience and passion, there were times that the center-back pairing (the entire back line, really) often lacked pace or had questionable positional sense.
Miller was incredibly passionate and a fan favorite.
It’s unfortunate to see him go, but if Henderson’s words mean anything, Miami is in the hunt for another defender.
"We would like to thank Kamal for his contributions as an Inter Miami player on and off the pitch, including helping us win our first-ever title, and wish him all the best in his future,” Henderson stated in the press release after Miller’s switch to Portland.
“This trade allows us to continue positioning ourselves positively as we aim to further strengthen our squad with our sights set on more titles next season.”
The main takeaway in that paragraph is that Miami will probably add to its roster in the coming weeks.
Inter Miami currently only has five center backs on their depth chart: Chris McVey, Ian Fray, Ryan Sailor, Tomas Avilés, and Serhiy Kryvtsov.
That’s…not a lot.
Should the Herons switch to a 3-5-2, as Tata Martino suggested, then it’s imperative that the men in pink add defenders who will fit his playing style.
Already, Miami has been linked to several defenders, including Botafogo’s Victor Cuesta, River Plate’s David Martinez, and Boca Juniors' Marcos Rojo.
Though these links remain rumors, for now, it’s only a matter of time before the Herons add another center back.