TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
It's been rumored for days and we've seen the photos, but now it's finally official: Inter Miami CF have announced the signing of prolific Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain who most recently played for Italian champions Juventus.
Higuain was first linked to Inter Miami on August 30 and on September 11 he appeared in a photo at the Miami airport with Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas.
The No. 9 will occupy an international roster slot, pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa, and completion of any mandatory quarantine period under local government and MLS health and safety protocol.
- Q&A with Gonzalo Higuain
- WATCH: Higuain hits upper 90 in training
- BUY: Higuain's new No. 9 Inter Miami jersey
“We are pleased to close a deal with Gonzalo and add an experienced and successful goalscorer, who has excelled in the world’s best teams and leagues,” said Paul McDonough, Inter Miami CF’s COO & sporting director, in a statement. “Our ownership group has always said our goal is to not only bring elite players to Inter Miami, but also good people that share our ambition and aspiration of making history in North American fútbol, and we’re confident we have found that in Gonzalo.”
The 32-year-old forward becomes the second former Juventus standout to join Inter Miami in recent weeks, following former teammate and France World Cup winner Blaise Matuidi. He'll also be in the same league as his older brother Federico—one of the most decorated playmakers in MLS history during his long stint with Columbus Crew SC and currently with D.C. United.
On the field, Gonzalo Higuain's acquisition addresses a major need for Inter Miami which have lacked a ruthless finisher around goal to pair with Mexico international Rodolfo Pizarro. They have scored just nine goals in their first 11 matches, tied for second fewest in MLS after FC Cincinnati (7 goals scored).
“First of all, I want to thank Inter Miami for the effort it has made to sign me. I think it will be a beautiful experience in my life. It’s what I was looking for - a new experience, a new league and a beautiful city. I’m really happy to be here and that it’s official,” said Higuain. “My goal is to try to transmit all the experience I acquired in Europe and to help the team grow.”
“I feel good, I feel whole as a player. I’m motivated to try a new league and help the team grow. Individually, my goal is to demonstrate that I can contribute and continue playing great fútbol here, and I hope I can achieve that because I have all the tools necessary to succeed. Inter Miami is a team in construction but there is already a good base to reach important goals,” he added.
For Inter Miami owners Jorge Mas, David Beckham & Co., the signing also delivers on a promise to the club's South Florida supporters: a big name with plenty of star power on the world stage. Higuain will occupy the third and final Designated Player slot on Inter Miami's roster (each MLS team can carry a maximum of three), alongside Pizarro and fellow Argentinian Matias Pellegrini.
Higuain's resume speaks for itself, as he's racked up plenty of goals everywhere he's played: in Argentina with River Plate and in Europe with Real Madrid, Napoli and Juventus. He also has 31 goals in 75 career senior caps for Argentina's men's national team.
Time will tell how Higuain will fare in MLS, but Inter Miami's push for a playoff spot in their inaugural season just got a whole lot more interesting.
Exclusive: Gonzalo Higuain interview
