Inter Miami are looking at adding another big piece into their squad with the signing of 23-year-old forward Mateo Pellegrino from Vélez Sarsfield. The first offer by the Herons was rejected, per journalist Uriel Iugt, although negotiations continue. His contract at Vélez ends at the end of the year, and Pellegrino also drew interest from European clubs and other Argentine teams such as Racing.
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Combining physical strength, intelligent movement, and a knack for scoring, Pellegrino appears to be a player who could elevate Inter Miami’s attacking game. The prospect of pairing him with Lionel Messi and having him under Javier Mascherano’s guidance has already piqued the interest of fans and experts alike.
Numbers that stand out
Pellegrino has become one of the star performers of Platense this season. In 2023, he played 40 matches, starting 32, in which he scored 15 goals. These numbers become even more impressive when one considers that he played in a team struggling to keep competitiveness in such a hard league as the Argentine Primera.
At 6'3", Pellegrino represents the prototype for a center-forward, huge and physically gifted but technically gifted. He has great aerial ability, but is anything but static. Smart in his movements, finding space is well within his capabilities and makes him an continuous threat to opponent defenses.
Why Pellegrino makes sense for Inter Miami
Ambitious goals include competing at a high level in MLS and shining brightly in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Strengthening the attack is necessary, mainly with a player who will complement Messi well and improve the team's playing style. That's where Pellegrino fits in.
Apart from his technical skills, Pellegrino brings to the table something many young forwards lack: game intelligence. He knows how to exploit spaces, be in the right place, and above all, finish well. This may just be what Javier Mascherano needs to perfect the attack of Miami.
Other positives may be the loan signing of Pellegrino first with the option to buy. It gives them a pathway to evaluate the player before his actual purchase is quite essential when the talents are young.
Challenges ahead
Despite this optimism, some challenges might lie ahead. Vélez has already rejected an initial offer from Brighton-an indication that negotiations might be somewhat drawn out. The interest from the many European clubs and possibly Racing might complicate the deal by raising Pellegrino's market value.
Another challenge will be how he adapts to life in MLS. While Pellegrino has been constant in Argentina, he now needs to prove that he can keep that form in a league with different dynamics and one that is unique in many ways.
Why Inter Miami needs to act fast
Competition is fierce for the young striker, and Inter Miami really can't afford to wait that long. More than team strengthening, Pellegrino's eventual signing would demonstrate one thing-the club has no fear in spending big money with dreams of being a global powerhouse. With the Club World Cup coming in the future, this is the best time to get the team final and make an outfit that will be able to take any team in the world on even terms.
Moreover, such a signing would energize the fanbase. Bringing in a young talent with the potential to shine alongside Messi and Mascherano would undoubtedly generate excitement and boost confidence in Inter Miami’s project.