MLS

Inter Miami will reportedly sign Luis Suarez using Targeted Allocation Money

Updated Dec. 5, 2023 1:49 p.m. ET

Luis Suarez is finalizing a deal to join his former FC Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi at Inter Miami CF next season, according to a report from the Miami Herald on Tuesday. ESPN first reported Suarez's commitment to the David Beckham-backed MLS club in November.

Inter Miami will sign Suarez using Targeted Allocation Money, not a Designated Player Spot, according to the Miami Herald.

Messi and Sergio Busquets currently occupy two of Inter Miami's three allowed Designated Player Spots. The third Designated Player Spot can be used add another elite talent to the quartet of former Barcelona stars, Messi, Busquets, Suarez and Jordi Alba.

Suarez, 36, signed a two-year contract with Brazilian club Gremio in January, but the club will allow him to leave on a free transfer in December to join Major League Soccer in the United States. The Uruguayan striker has recorded 19 goals in 46 appearances for Gremio this season.

Prior to joining Gremio, Suarez was one of the most prolific strikers in Europe, with his most successful years coming as part of the "M.S.N" trio alongside Messi and Neymar at Barcelona. In four years at Barcelona, Suarez won four La Liga titles, four domestic cups and the 2014-15 Champions League. He also won the La Liga title with Atletico Madrid in 2021.

At the international level, Suarez is Uruguay's all-time leading goalscorer with 68 goals in 137 appearances.