Lionel Messi is still awaiting big signings ahead of the new MLS season, with Inter Miami aiming to defend their championship title, which they won in the 2025 season. However, if the Herons’ strategy changes during the current transfer window, achieving that goal could become more difficult.
Inter Miami Is Unlikely To Have a Preferred Target on Their 2026 Roster?
Information gathered by The Athletic indicates that the San Jose Earthquakes are very close to reaching an agreement to sign Timo Werner, a striker who is looking to leave RB Leipzig due to limited playing time in the Bundesliga.
Although the transfer fee has not yet been disclosed, the report indicates that Werner and the Earthquakes have reached a verbal agreement, with the loan deal nearing finalization. With a valuation of just € 3 million, the striker has played only 14 minutes and three games during the current season.
Even so, the German striker could find plenty of opportunities in MLS to revive his career at the highest level, and Werner became one of the favorites to sign with Inter Miami. However, the priority given to signing Tadeo Allende on a permanent basis ultimately changed the initial plans to sign the veteran German striker.
In an interview with Sky Sports Germany after RB Leipzig’s 3-1 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in December, sporting director Marcel Schäfer stated that it was “time for a change,” suggesting that the striker would be available for transfer during the transfer window.
Werner will take a San Jose Earthquakes’ DP slot and likely start in attack with Cristian Arango, who renewed his contract until 2027. The striker exploits spaces in quick transitions, makes incisive runs, and applies early pressure after possession is lost.
At his technical peak, Werner played as a right or left winger (exploiting depth) and fulfilled roles as a second striker. However, the German striker has struggled in recent years with low finishing efficiency, difficulty maintaining consistency in his game rhythm, and less impact when isolated on the wing.
Inter Miami’s Current Situation in the Transfer Window
Meanwhile, Messi continues to await the arrival of new signings by Inter Miami. The club recently confirmed the arrival of David Ayala from the Portland Timbers to replace Sergio Busquets. Since the start of the current offseason, the Herons have also signed Dayne St. Clair, Facundo Mura, Micael, and Sergio Reguilón, and are seeking the return of Allende and Baltasar RodrÃguez.
Finally, Inter Miami may still have a Designated Player slot available if they achieve all their objectives during this transfer window, and could potentially sign another high-profile player to strengthen the squad before the start of the 2026 MLS season.
