Inter Miami aims to bolster its roster ahead of 2026 with one remaining Designated Player spot after Rodrigo De Paul’s permanent arrival. Linked names—Neymar, Robert Lewandowski, Paulo Dybala—would push Miami’s firepower. Betting implication: punters might back Miami in Concacaf knockout ties, favor high-goal lines or Messi+DP assists markets if a proven scorer joins.
Inter Miami’s 2026 plan: One Designated Player to reshape the title push
Inter Miami finished 2025 with momentum and a clear target: the Concacaf Champions Cup. The club advanced to the 2025 semifinals and will enter 2026 confident but aware a roster upgrade is needed to convert MLS success into regional silverware. With roster rules likely keeping three Designated Players (DPs) and three U22 Initiative slots, Miami enters the offseason with one DP spot to fill. That DP counts $743,750 against the MLS salary cap under the current model.
Roster mechanics and options
Messi remains the cornerstone, and the retirements of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba opened two DP slots. One was filled by the permanent transfer of Rodrigo De Paul from Atlético Madrid. Miami’s ownership—Jose and Jorge Mas alongside David Beckham—appear willing to pursue a headline DP signing rather than shifting the roster model to prioritize U22 slots and additional General Allocation Money.
Why a big-name DP matters
The Herons’ ambition is clear: add a proven match-winner to sustain a deep run in both MLS and Concacaf competitions. A high-profile striker or dynamic winger would provide goals and influence in knockout ties, while also lifting markets related to total goals, player assists, and MVP bets.
Three realistic DP targets for Miami
1) Neymar — Winger
Neymar offers star power and a natural fit alongside Messi and a potential Luis Suárez. He produced 11 goals and four assists in 29 appearances in the 2025 Brazilian season but missed significant time—17 matches—through injury. At nearly 34, his minutes would likely be managed, making him attractive commercially and for late-game impact but risky for a team aiming to peak at the start of continental competition.
2) Robert Lewandowski — Striker
Miami’s need for a reliable central striker is acute: no current roster forward logged more than 400 minutes in 2025, and Suárez’s scoring dipped from 20 goals in 2024 to 10 in 2025. Lewandowski, still scoring at a top level—eight goals in 12 La Liga appearances in 2025–26—could deliver immediate returns. Financially feasible for Miami, his arrival would pair a world-class finisher with Messi, but competition from other MLS suitors and personal preference for a different destination are potential obstacles.
3) Paulo Dybala — Striker/Second striker
A familiar Argentine profile, Dybala could be tempted by a leading role next to Messi and De Paul. He struggled for form in 2025, finding the net only twice in Serie A, and will be a free agent at the end of the European season, making a move realistic. Dybala would offer creativity and link-up play, potentially restoring his value ahead of international tournaments.
Betting implications and tactical impact
Adding a high-caliber DP would shift Miami from a team built around Messi to a multi-pronged attack. For bettors, that means Miami becomes a stronger favorite in knockout and early-season Concacaf ties, over/goal markets could trend higher, and prop markets (Messi assists, DP to score) gain appeal. Conversely, signings with durability concerns (age/injury history) might temper long-term outright bets and favor match-by-match markets.
Bottom line
Inter Miami has one DP slot to target before 2026 and the financial clout to choose a headline name. Neymar, Lewandowski, and Dybala each present distinct trade-offs between immediate impact, injury risk, and tactical fit. The club’s decision will shape not only their continental ambitions but also how punters value Miami across match and futures markets.
Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba’s retirements have opened things up.
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