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Football Insider

Inter Miami's Incoming Change: Reguilon Set to Succeed Jordi Alba After MLS Cup Triumph

Inter Miami are gearing up for a significant transition at left-back, as Spanish full-back Jordi Alba calls time on his illustrious career after clinching the MLS Cup title, with Sergio Reguilon poised to step into his sizable shoes.

Inter Miami's Incoming Change: Reguilon Set to Succeed Jordi Alba After MLS Cup Triumph

Inter Miami are preparing to usher in a new era at left-back, with Jordi Alba set to retire after winning the MLS Cup on Saturday and Spanish full-back Sergio Reguilon lined up as his successor. The 28-year-old free agent has been spotted in Miami and is considered a near-confirmed signing, with the deal expected to be announced shortly after Alba’s farewell.Inter Miami won Saturday’s MLS Cup final, knowing it would also mark the final appearance of Alba, who has decided to retire following the showpiece match. The former Barcelona star has been a key part of the club’s rise alongside Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets, but the 34-year-old has “waved the white flag” and brought an end to a storied career after one last push for silverware. With Alba departing, the club has accelerated plans to secure his replacement, identifying Reguilon as the preferred option, as per MARCA.The report suggests the signing is essentially a “done deal,” with Inter Miami ready to announce the move soon. Reguilon has been seen in Miami in recent days, fuelling the belief that the transfer is imminent and that the Spaniard will join early in the 2026 MLS season. The former Tottenham defender has spent the past six months without a club, making the opportunity in Miami a timely lifeline.Reguilon last played competitive football in May 2025, featuring for 74 minutes in Tottenham’s match against Aston Villa before his release in the summer. Since leaving Spurs, he has spent extensive time training individually to maintain his fitness and prepare for a January return to professional competition. Inter Miami view his experience across Europe as an ideal fit to succeed Alba in a team built on high-profile leadership and possession-based play.Alba’s retirement represents a major turning point for Inter Miami, who structured much of their attacking width around the veteran’s overlapping presence on the left flank. His departure leaves a significant void, not only tactically but culturally, as he formed part of the celebrated quartet reunited from Barcelona’s golden era. Replacing that influence requires a player capable of contributing immediately, which explains the club’s push to secure Reguilon before preseason begins.Reguilon’s arrival would continue Inter Miami’s strategy of balancing superstar talent with experienced professionals capable of adapting quickly to MLS demands. The move also signals Miami's broader commitment to long-term squad evolution rather than relying solely on ageing marquee names. With Alba and Sergio Busquets retiring and Messi and Luis Suarez entering the final years of their playing careers, the club appears intent on planning ahead rather than reacting late.Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Reguilon’s career has taken him across several major clubs, beginning at Real Madrid before a loan spell at Sevilla. Tottenham signed him permanently in 2020 but recurring managerial changes and shifting tactical needs saw him fall out of favour and ultimately leave the club in 2025 after loan spells with Atletico Madrid, Brentford and Manchester United. Despite his absence from competitive football in recent months, his resume and athletic profile continue to attract interest.His six-month free agency raised concerns about match fitness, though sources state he has been “training extensively” on his own to prepare for his next move. Inter Miami are aware he may need time to regain sharpness, but believe his upside outweighs that temporary limitation. The club values his ability to operate both defensively and in transition, traits essential for a team that relies heavily on wide build-up patterns.Inter Miami gave the perfect send-off to Alba and Busquets as they won the MLS Cup on Saturday against the Vancouver Whitecaps. If Reguilon’s signing is confirmed, he will join the roster in early February and begin preparations to slot into the starting XI for the 2026 campaign. The club will then face broader questions about further reinforcements and how best to evolve the squad as key veterans age out of their prime.

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Inter Miami's Shift in Left-Back Position

Inter Miami is on the brink of ushering in a new era at left-back, with the impending retirement of Jordi Alba following their MLS Cup victory on Saturday. Sergio Reguilon, a Spanish full-back with a rich pedigree, is reportedly all set to fill the void left by Alba's departure.

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Alba Bids Farewell to Inter Miami

The MLS Cup final not only marked the jubilant triumph for Inter Miami but also signified the end of an era for Jordi Alba, who decided to retire from professional football post the championship match. The 34-year-old made a significant impact on the club and has now graciously decided to step down.

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Reguilon: The Prodigy-In-Waiting

Sergio Reguilon's imminent signing with Inter Miami seems to be a mere formality, with reports strongly pointing towards a sealed deal. The Spanish defender has been spotted in Miami, indicating his readiness to don the Inter Miami colors and is expected to make his official debut early in the upcoming MLS season.

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Reguilon's Career Trajectory and Skill Set

Reguilon's journey through top European clubs like Real Madrid and Tottenham underscores his experience and skill as a consummate defender. Despite a brief hiatus from competitive soccer, his athletic prowess and tactical acumen make him an ideal candidate to succeed Alba in Inter Miami's setup.

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Strategic Evolution at Inter Miami

Inter Miami's strategic focus on blending star talents with seasoned professionals is evident in their pursuit of Reguilon as Alba's replacement. This move not only reflects a commitment to long-term squad development but also showcases a proactive approach in planning for the future, beyond the twilight years of aging superstars.

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Looking Towards the Future

With the imminent arrival of Reguilon, Inter Miami sets its sights on a transitional phase, balancing the departure of key veterans like Alba and Sergio Busquets with the infusion of fresh talent. As the club readies for the 2026 campaign, the spotlight shifts to how they adapt to changing dynamics and reinforce the squad for sustained success.

Published on Dec 7, 2025