Inter Miami Eyes Stunning Coup for Mexico's Star Striker in Blockbuster Move
Inter Miami are reportedly pursuing Mexico national team forward Germán Berterame, with multiple sources suggesting the club aims to bring in the striker as a Designated Player.
The current MLS Cup holders would trigger Berterame's buyout clause at Rayados de Monterrey, with reports suggesting the fee stands at $15 million.
Nevertheless, as ESPN reports, no agreement has been completed yet. Berterame, who featured for Rayados in their 5–1 victory over Mazatlán on Friday, has been called up to Mexico's roster for upcoming January matches against Bolivia and Panama.
Berterame would presumably serve as a primary striker for Miami, operating as a central forward ahead of Lionel Messi, who typically functions as a secondary striker or advanced playmaker. The 27-year-old Mexican international previously competed in Argentina with San Lorenzo and Patronato before making his Liga MX debut with Atlético San Luis in 2019, subsequently claiming the 2021 Apertura top scorer award.
Following his move to Monterrey in 2022, he has recorded 67 goals and 15 assists across 152 appearances in all competitions, earning recognition for Mexico's national squad after obtaining citizenship through naturalization.
During the current offseason, Miami extended veteran forward Luis Suárez with a fresh one-year deal. Nevertheless, the 38-year-old former FC Barcelona icon failed to deliver consistently and was benched for all playoff fixtures except one during their successful campaign that culminated in defeating Vancouver Whitecaps for the franchise's inaugural MLS Cup.
If Miami completes the Berterame acquisition, it would represent another significant move in an ambitious offseason that has already brought in 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Dayne St. Clair, along with former Premier League defender Sergio Reguilón, among other additions.
Sales Likely Needed to Fit Roster Models
Sales Likely Needed to Fit Roster Models
Under the leadership of owners Jorge and José Mas, alongside David Beckham, Inter Miami has emerged as one of the most innovative clubs in squad construction, maximizing Messi's appeal, market opportunities and specialized roster positions.
However, the Herons would presumably need to offload a player to accommodate Berterame's DP wages. Under their present roster structure, the club has occupied two of three available DP positions and four U22 Initiative spots.
MLS clubs can utilize either the three DP, three U22 framework or the two DP, four U22 structure, both featuring player deals that minimally impact a team's yearly salary budget.
Without securing Berterame, they would presumably choose the two DP, four U22 player framework. However, they must make adjustments to accommodate the Mexican forward, potentially parting ways with one of their U22 players, such as Tomás Avilés, Mateo Silvetti, or Telasco Segovia, while retaining David Ayala, recently obtained in a U22 capacity from the Portland Timbers.
The Herons returned to Miami on Friday to commence 2026 MLS preseason training. They will embark on a three-game South American expedition through Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador before focusing on their MLS regular-season kickoff on Feb. 21 against LAFC.