Inter Miami: In the lead for English left-back Kieran Gibbs
Former Arsenal FC Manager Arsene Wenger said it was painful to see West Brom pick up defender Kieran Gibbs in 2017. The player had been somewhere in the Arsenal system since age 10. Now Inter Miami CF is in the hunt for Gibbs.
It was in the Arsenal system that Gibbs developed into his left-back position. He logged 229 appearances with Arsenal and 100 for West Brom, plus seven for Norwich City. Gibbs’ West Bromwich Albian contract expires this summer and the team might fall out of the Premier League, related to the Championship. By an ESPN report, Gibbs is left free to negotiate with other clubs, within six months of the end of the contract. So three MLS sides have moved in.
The suitors are DC United, New York Red Bulls, and Inter Miami CF. Curiously, the report adds that Inter Miami leads in odds for landing the left-back. Miami already made an offer that was rejected by Gibbs.
Kieran Gibbs would do wonders on Inter Miami
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Determination by Inter Miami is first driven by need. Their two starters at left-back last season are gone. DC United also has a need for depth on their backline. The Red Bulls have some options for the outside back. But the team wouldn’t mind another.
The fact is that Inter Miami needs Gibbs’ position the most of all three suitors. Therefore, they want the left-back the most.
They’re also driven by determination. If Gibbs keeps replying, Miami’s negotiators will keep trying to figure out what it takes to get him to their pitch.
The scouting reports acclaim speed and concentration by Gibbs. He continues to show weakness in aerial duels and tackling. But he’s among the best in passing and ball interception.
He’s also rated highly while playing as a defensive midfielder. In that position for West Brom against Fulham last month, he performed well beyond the scouting data. There he won three aerials and got in a couple of tackles.
He also hasn’t squandered any offensive opportunities when moving further toward the front. In 337 professional appearances, he’s scored 34 goals and 29 assists. Add to all that his 10 appearances with England’s national team.
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As long as they keep the communication lines open, Inter Miami CF can keep the momentum going in pushing the fact that MLS has acquired a global presence. This is a league for international players still in their technical zone – not just declining superstars or probable, yet-to-be-proven prospects.