Inter Miami ‘agree deal with FOURTH ex-Barcelona star’ with defender the latest set to join Lionel Messi in MLS
JORDI ALBA is set to become the latest former Barcelona star to join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.
The full-back left the Catalan giants earlier this year after 11 glittering seasons since joining from Valencia in 2012.
Messi, 36, agreed to join Inter Miami last month – with ex-Barca pal Sergio Busquets following suit.
Reports earlier on Tuesday then claimed that Luis Suarez was to become the latest member of the gang to join David Beckham’s MLS franchise.
And now, according to owner Jorge Mas, Alba will be next.
He said: “Jordi Alba will sign today. Messi will debut on Friday.”
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims the “final details” of Alba’s contract are being finalised.
Alba made 459 appearances for Barca, scoring 27 goals and laying on 99 assists.
He helped them to six LaLiga titles, five Copa del Reys and a Champions League triumph.
Amid Barca’s financial woes Alba left at the end of last season, despite still having a year remaining on his contract.
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Busquets, meanwhile, turned down lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia to reunite with Messi.
While it has been claimed that Suarez is set to quit Brazilian side Gremio to play with his pals once again.
After being unveiled over the weekend, Messi took part in his first Inter Miami training session alongside Busquets and Co.
He is set to make his debut on Friday, when Inter Miami take on Mexican side Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.
Mas distanced himself from reports that a deal for Suarez is virtually complete – but welcomed the idea of signing the Uruguayan.
He said: “Luis Suarez is a Gremio player. He has a contract. We understand the close relationship that he has with Lionel, Busquets and Alba.
“They played together at Barcelona. There’s been a lot of talk about Luis Suarez coming to Inter Miami. We haven’t held direct talks with Gremio or with Suarez.
“I don’t know how Luis Suarez can leave Gremio. But if he does we are free to talk to Luis and bring him to Inter Miami. That possibility would be there.”
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