Lionel Messi's Inter Miami dealt blow as transfer target set for move to Europe: Reports

Inter Miami have been handed a huge blow as their transfer target, Nicolas Fonseca, is set for a surprise move to Europe, according to reports.

After winning their first-ever MLS Cup title, the Herons are looking to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season. This is given that two of their title-winning players, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, close the curtain on their illustrious careers after the match against Vancouver Whitecaps.

Inter Miami recently signed a direct replacement for Alba in former Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United defender Sergio Reguilón on a two-year contract through December 2027, with an option to extend through the end of 2028. Reports have also linked the club with a move for Club Leon’s defensive midfielder Fonseca, who is seen as an apt replacement for Busquets.

However, in a surprising turn of events, it appears that a potential deal for Fonesca is unlikely, with Super Deportivo reporting that the 27-year-old will not join Lionel Messi in Inter Miami and will instead be loaned to LaLiga side Real Oviedo. The report claimed that the MLS Cup champions submitted a formal offer to Club Leon, but Grupo Pachuca, the ownership group behind the Liga MX club, rejected the proposal, deeming it insufficient.

Grupo Pachuca’s broader objective was to secure a multi-million-dollar transfer fee from Miami, but both parties couldn’t reach an agreement. It is also believed that Fonseca is open to moving to Europe, especially Spain, where he would have the opportunity of being considered by manager Marcelo Bielsa for Uruguay's 2026 World Cup squad.

Fonseca joined Club Leon earlier this year from River Plate for a reported fee of €2.14 million. However, his time at León didn’t go as planned, with the club finishing second to last in the Apertura 2025, only above rock bottom Puebla.

Inter Miami’s move for Argentine Primera Division star hit roadblock – Reports

According to journalist German Garcia Grova, Inter Miami’s move for Talleres de Córdoba goalkeeper Guido Herrera has stalled, with the club’s representatives refusing to respond to phone calls.

Grova had previously reported that the Herons decided not to exercise the option to buy for current goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo. Rios Novo joined the Florida-based club on loan from Club Atlético Lanús earlier this year. With his loan set to expire at the end of 2025, the Argentine goalkeeper is expected to return to his childhood club.

An earlier report by transfer insider Cesar Luis Merlo claimed Inter Miami were working towards the signing of Herrera and were in advanced talks with Talleres.

Edited by Ezekiel Olamide