<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/sergio-reguilon/">Sergio Reguilón</a> was announced as a new Inter Miami player on Monday after signing his contract to replace Jordi Alba in the vacant left back role. Despite being a product of Real Madrid’s academy, Reguilón opened up about the special motivation of playing alongside global superstar <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a>.



After joining Fundación <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/real-madrid/">Real Madrid</a> at just nine years old, Reguilón emerged as a potential long-term successor to Alba with the Spanish national team following his early breakthrough. A strong loan spell at Sevilla led to a €30 million move to Tottenham Hotspur at age 23, but inconsistent form and several loan stints prevented him from reaching his full potential, and now the left back is looking to revive his career in MLS.



In his first words as a Heron, Reguilón explained the reasons behind his decision to join the Fort Lauderdale-based club. “I think it’s a very ambitious project. It’s a club that’s doing things very well. They’re the current champions, and that’s what attracts me—winning teams. Both the people at the club and the owners are doing a great job, and that shows,” he said in an interview with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter-miami/">Inter Miami</a>.



According to Fabrizio Romano, several La Liga clubs showed interest in signing Reguilón as a free agent after his contract expired last June, including lucrative offers from Iran worth €4 million net per season. However, the left back had always been eager to join Inter Miami, which began negotiations with him last October before finalizing the deal.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="3277" height="4096" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251215_WST_609989_sergio-reguilon-inter-miami-presentation_259173dd.webp&amp;width=3277&amp;height=4096" alt="Sergio Reguilon presented as new Inter Miami player." class="wp-image-609999"></figure><figcaption>Sergio Reguilon presented as new Inter Miami player.</figcaption></figure>



Despite his Real Madrid background, Reguilón also highlighted the opportunity to play alongside Lionel Messi as a major factor in his decision. “It’s a really exciting reason to come here: to keep winning and keep competing. I won’t lie—coming here to play with Leo is an extra motivation,” he added.


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Since his contract expired in June, Reguilón has not played a competitive match, but that was not seen as a concern by either the player or the club. Now eager to claim the starting left back role in 2026, he said: “I’m really eager to get started, because I’m coming off a few difficult months, and all I want is to compete on the field, give my best, and be happy on the pitch—which is the best thing in life.”



<h2>Reguilón and MLS growth</h2>



In recent years, Major League Soccer has increasingly attracted European players not only at the tail end of their careers, but also during their prime. One notable example is Son Heung-min, who completed a move to LAFC at age 33 after winning the UEFA Europa League with Tottenham, despite having multiple offers to remain in Europe.



Reguilón was asked about MLS’s growth and spoke about how the league’s rising profile—boosted in part by Messi’s arrival—has captured global attention. “For example, in Spain I have many friends who follow it, and honestly it’s a league that’s on the rise and doing things very well. In terms of exposure, it keeps growing. It’s becoming more competitive, and that’s also what draws me to it,” he concluded.

Former Real Madrid Sergio Reguilón opens up on motivation to play alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami

Former Real Madrid Sergio Reguilón opens up on motivation to play alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami - World Soccer Talk

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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lionel Messi</a> managed to lead Inter Miami into their golden era, guiding the team to its first three titles, including the long-awaited MLS Cup. Despite this, Jordi Alba’s retirement posed a major challenge for the team, as they lost a key attacking partner for the Argentine. Nevertheless, the Herons moved quickly and completed the signing of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/sergio-reguilon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sergio Reguilón</a> as a free agent to strengthen the left-back position after Jordi Alba’s retirement.



After spending several months as a free agent, Sergio Reguilón has become <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter-miami/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Inter Miami</a>’s newest star. At just 28 years old, the Spaniard joins the Herons in search of the much-needed continuity he has lacked in recent years. With a contract extending through December 2027, he aims to cement his legacy in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/mls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MLS</a> by pursuing more titles and rediscovering the form he displayed at Real Madrid and Sevilla FC.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Bienvenido a Miami, Sergio! 👋🇪🇸 ↬ <a href="https://t.co/pAAoqKLLGh">https://t.co/pAAoqKLLGh</a> <a href="https://t.co/YfpdsIZR1k">pic.twitter.com/YfpdsIZR1k</a>— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) <a href="https://twitter.com/InterMiamiCF/status/2000583520415109309?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Unlike Jordi Alba, Sergio Reguilon joins Inter Miami, creating more doubts than assurances. He logged only 316 minutes in the 2024-25 season and was recently excluded from Tottenham Hotspur’s plans. Despite these setbacks, the Spaniard has demonstrated exceptional offensive prowess, making him a promising fit for coach Javier Mascherano, who seeks outstanding performance from the left back position.



With hopes placed on Reguilón regaining his impressive level, Inter Miami hold an option to extend the Spaniard’s contract through 2028. As he is a player in his prime years, there is an expectation that Javier Mascherano can help him recover the level that led him to shine in LaLiga and the UEFA Europa League with Sevilla. Despite this, the biggest challenge will be regaining his competitive rhythm while fighting to prove his worth at the same time.



<h2>Inter Miami reportedly accelerate roster rebuild ahead of 2026 MLS season</h2>



Far from wanting to keep their roster intact, Inter Miami have remained very active at the end of the season, undergoing several departures from their 2025 MLS Cup–winning squad. Not only have the retirements of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets occurred, but Fafa Picault, William Yarbrough, and Ryan Sailor have also left the team. Along with them, Marcelo Weigandt and Allen Obando will not continue after their loan spells.


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These absences in the squad are aimed at opening space for new figures to arrive and improve the overall performance of the team. In addition, the Herons have reportedly reached an agreement to keep Luis Suárez through December 2026, ruling out a move for Timo Werner. Despite this, Inter Miami have reportedly reached a verbal agreement for Facundo Mura, a right back who arrives as a free agent from Racing de Avellaneda.



With a large part of the offseason still ahead, Inter Miami could make more moves to reinforce their defensive line, midfield, and even the attack, as Javier Mascherano already complained during the 2025 season that his roster was quite limited. Therefore, the Herons continue to show Lionel Messi that their sporting project aims to remain competitive.

Lionel Messi receives new star teammate: Inter Miami finally announces Sergio Reguilon’s arrival after Jordi Alba’s retirement

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Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba get special Inter Miami recognition after 2025 MLS season

Lionel Messi receives new star teammate: Inter Miami finally announces Sergio Reguilon’s arrival after Jordi Alba’s retirement - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/jordi-alba/">Jordi Alba</a> has announced his retirement, surprising fans just months after signing a contract extension with Inter Miami in May. To cover his imminent departure ahead of next season, Lionel Messi could soon welcome a new teammate, as Alba’s exit may pave the way for a former <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/real-madrid/">Real Madrid</a> player to join the club.



In an Instagram video posted Tuesday, Alba confirmed he will retire at the end of the 2025 season, the same decision his close friend and teammate Sergio Busquets made just weeks earlier. The departures of both veterans will leave <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter-miami/">Inter Miami</a> with major holes to fill heading into the 2026 campaign, which will unfold alongside the World Cup. However, the club has already begun moving to reinforce the squad.



According to Fabrizio Romano, Inter Miami are in advanced talks to sign <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/sergio-reguilon/">Sergio Reguilón</a> to fill the left-back role. The Spaniard has been a free agent since July, when his contract with Tottenham Hotspur expired. Among several offers he has received, Reguilón reportedly views the Herons as the most appealing destination.



A product of Real Madrid’s academy, Reguilón was one of Sevilla’s key players during their 2019–20 Europa League run before joining Tottenham the following season. However, his form dipped in London, leading to loan spells with Atlético Madrid, Manchester United, and Brentford. After his contract ended in June 2025, the 28-year-old left back became available on a free transfer.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251007_WST_595459_sergio-reguilon-brentford-1200x675_efe0969f.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="Sergio Reguilon of Brentford." class="wp-image-595495" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Sergio Reguilon of Brentford.</figcaption></figure>



In recent matches, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has relied on Noah Allen as a natural left back, giving Alba more freedom on the flank. With Alba’s exit, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Messi</a> will lose one of his most trusted partners, but Reguilón’s European experience could make him a valuable addition for the 2026 season.


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<h2>Will Reguilon be a Designated Player?</h2>



With both Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets set to depart, Lionel Messi will be Inter Miami’s only remaining Designated Player by the end of the 2025 season. That opens the door for the club to pursue more top-tier talent in the transfer market as it prepares for the 2026 campaign.



One of those DP spots is expected to be filled by Rodrigo De Paul, who recently agreed to a six-month contract before signing permanently with the club. With one slot still open, it remains to be seen whether Reguilón will claim it, though Inter Miami could choose to reserve the position for another marquee signing.

Jordi Alba’s retirement could open door for former Real Madrid to join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami

Jordi Alba’s retirement could open door for former Real Madrid to join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami - World Soccer Talk

While Inter Miami still have the most important stretch of the year ahead in Major League Soccer, that hasn’t stopped them from looking toward the future. A former Real Madrid and Manchester United player could be joining <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a> as early as next season.



“Inter Miami in talks for surprise move to sign Sergio Reguilón!” reported journalist Fabrizio Romano on Friday via his official X account. “Negotiations well underway to join MLS side on free transfer after leaving Spurs in July.”



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/sergio-reguilon/">Reguilon</a> has been out of the spotlight at top-tier clubs for some time now. After a promising start to his career at Real Madrid, the left-back had short loan spells at Logroñes and Sevilla before finding a more stable spot in the Premier League.



In 2020, Tottenham Hotspur signed him in a deal that reportedly included a buy-back clause worth nearly $40 million in favor of Los Blancos. His early years in England were solid, with over 30 appearances per season. However, since 2022 he’s been on a series of short-term loans he hasn’t been able to break out of, including stints at Atletico Madrid, Manchester United, and Brentford.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251003_WST_594815_reguilon-1200x675_ef843033.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-594821" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Sergio Reguilon playing for Manchester United.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>What is Reguilon’s current situation?</h2>



Having played just four matches with Tottenham during the 2024–25 season, Reguilon left the English club and became a free agent this summer. Since then, his situation has remained unclear, as he has yet to sign with another team and will likely remain inactive until at least January.


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In that context, the opportunity to join a star-studded squad featuring Messi, Luis Suarez, and Rodrigo De Paul could be quite appealing. “Reguilón, expected to accept as he sees Inter Miami as best option despite multiple proposals on the table,” Romano added.



<h2>Do Inter Miami need Reguilon?</h2>



Adding Sergio Reguilon would bring more quality and experience to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter-miami/">Inter Miami</a>’s roster. However, unlike some of their previous high-profile signings, the Spanish defender likely wouldn’t arrive as a starter.



At left-back, the Herons already have a rock-solid performer in Jordi Alba. The former Barcelona player has made 43 appearances and scored five goals this season, and he remains a key figure in head coach Javier Mascherano’s plans. To make things even more certain, Alba signed a contract extension just a few months ago that runs through December 2027.


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Given that, it’s fair to ask what role Reguilon might play if he joins. It’s unlikely he’d displace Alba in the starting lineup, and Noah Allen is already the backup in that position. One possibility is that the Herons are seriously considering pushing Alba further up the field—into a wide midfielder or winger role—something he’s done occasionally in recent games. That scenario could create space for another left-back to be added to the squad.

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami reportedly after former Manchester United, Real Madrid player

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami reportedly after former Manchester United, Real Madrid player - World Soccer Talk

Manchester United anticipates left-back Luke Shaw will face a recovery period of ten weeks due to a muscle injury.



The English full-back picked up in the wake of United’s 2-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur. United boss Erik ten Hag then announced he would miss a considerable amount of time.



The <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12466679/Luke-Shaw-set-TEN-WEEKS-Manchester-United-left-suffering-muscular-problem-defeat-Tottenham-month.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Daily Mail</a> reports that Shaw might miss up to 10 weeks of action for United. If this schedule holds, the Englishman will be out for the full months of September and October. His target return is subsequently the middle of November.



<h2>Which games will Luke Shaw miss for United with injury?</h2>



This Sunday, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">United</a> play Arsenal in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a>. Then, on Oct. 29 United faces Manchester City in a derby. Without the defender, they will certainly struggle in both games.



With a 10-week absence, Shaw would also miss the first four rounds of the UEFA Champions League group play. The Red Devils’ <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/uefa-champions-league-group-stage-draw-brings-mega-clashes-20230831-WST-453237.html">Group A opponents</a> will be Bayern Munich, Galatasaray and Copenhagen.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">❌ Mason Mount ❌ Luke Shaw ❌ Tyrell Malacia Erik ten Hag says he expects Mason Mount to be back quicker than Luke Shaw as well as Tyrell Malacia who remains sidelined for a few weeks. 🤕 <a href="https://t.co/DzXev55YyP">pic.twitter.com/DzXev55YyP</a>— Football Daily (@footballdaily) <a href="https://twitter.com/footballdaily/status/1695057889784721636?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h5>Sergio Reguilon signed to replace him</h5>



Because of Shaw’s absence and the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/varane-adds-to-united-injury-woes-time-on-sidelines-revealed-20230830-WST-452889.html">present injury issues</a> with backup Tyrell Malacia, United has put out a transfer tag to find a new center defender. They had first attempted to negotiate a deal for Marc Cucurella with Chelsea.



However, when that failed, they began bargaining with Tottenham Hotspur for Sergio Reguilon. Consequently, Erik ten Hag’s side have officially announced the loan signing of the Spanish player for the rest of the season.



Reguilon’s contract reportedly includes a termination provision in January, when Shaw and Malacia should have fully recovered. United had wanted this stipulation included in their offer for Cucurella. However, he would be unable to appear for three clubs in one year. Therefore, that loan deal fell through. Moreover, it opens the door for Reguilon at Old Trafford.



PHOTO: IMAGO / Paul Marriott

United discover Luke Shaw injury timeline, sign his replacement

After the loss against Tottenham, Luke Shaw was diagnosed with a muscular injury and would likely be out for a long time.

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United discover Luke Shaw injury timeline, sign his replacement