Inter Miami opens a new era after Jordi Alba’s departure

After winning their first MLS Cup, Inter Miami has wasted no time planning the future. The departures of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets leave a huge void in the locker room, both in leadership and tactical impact, and the Herons are being forced to react quickly to avoid losing the momentum built around Lionel Messi. With two Designated Player spots available and nearly $6 million in salary ready to be reinvested, the front office has set its sights on a name that has already lit up social media: Sergio Reguilón.

The Spanish full-back, with experience at Real Madrid, Sevilla, Manchester United and Tottenham, emerges as the natural successor to Alba for the 2026 season. According to European reports, negotiations are already underway and have the approval of Messi’s camp and the coaching staff.

Reguilón, the former Madrid full-back set to take over the left side

The potential arrival of Sergio Reguilón has surprised Miami fans, not only because of his résumé in Europe, but also because he was once one of Messi’s direct rivals in LaLiga, starring in heated duels during his time at Real Madrid. Now, that chapter would be left behind as he steps in to fill both the tactical and emotional role vacated by Alba.

At 28, Reguilón brings a combination of experience, pace and attacking instinct that fits perfectly with the possession-oriented style Miami has adopted since the arrival of its Spanish-Argentine core. Although he has been without a club for several months, reports indicate he has remained training individually, focused on returning to his top level in 2026. For Miami, he represents a low-risk, high-upside signing.

The challenge of rebuilding a team that just reached glory

Inter Miami faces a difficult balancing act: celebrating a historic title while processing the departure of key pillars. Alba’s retirement, combined with Busquets’ exit, forces the club to reinvent itself without losing competitiveness in MLS and with an eye already on the Concacaf Champions Cup.

Meanwhile, immediate questions arise about the future of Luis Suárez, who may be in his final months as a professional player. For that reason, names like Timo Werner have surfaced as potential additions, though negotiations remain distant. What is clear is that Miami does not want to improvise: the goal is to rejuvenate the squad without sacrificing leadership.

The signing of Reguilón would be the first step in a broader plan to keep Messi surrounded by dynamic, competitive talent.

A signing that could set Inter Miami’s course for 2026

All signs point to an official announcement for Sergio Reguilón arriving within days. The Spanish defender would land in Florida in early February to join preseason and compete for a starting position in the new project led by Messi and Mascherano.

The Herons, champions of the Eastern Conference and MLS Cup 2025, want to prove their success was no coincidence. And while club legends say goodbye, the future is already in motion: younger, faster and fueled by ambition.

Inter Miami doesn’t want to be another team that collapses after glory… it wants to build a dynasty.
And the first building block may be named Sergio Reguilón.