According to Tom Bogert of The Athletic, Inter Miami pushed aggressively to sign LAFC forward Denis Bouanga. While searching for a major attacking reinforcement, the club targeted a player who has been named to the MLS Best XI in three consecutive seasons, 2023, 2024, and 2025, as part of an effort to assemble an All-Star-level roster.

LAFC turned down Inter Miami’s multi-million-dollar offer for one of their marquee players, as the Franco-Gabonese attacker expressed a clear desire to remain with the California side. As a result, Bouanga will not form a partnership with Lionel Messi in South Florida.

After the bid was rejected, Inter Miami shifted their full attention to Germán Berterame. Bogert reports that Monterrey, Atlético Madrid, Atlético San Luis, and the Fort Lauderdale-based club are already exchanging paperwork on a proposed $15 million transfer for full ownership of the striker’s economic rights.

Berterame emerges as the leading option

According to information from César Merlo, Inter Miami are prepared to pay a total of $15 million to secure the services of the Mexico international. The deal is structured in two parts: $10.5 million going to Monterrey and an additional $4.5 million to Atlético Madrid, who still retain a percentage of the striker’s rights.

Berterame’s potential arrival is also explained by a broader roster reconfiguration. Following the retirements of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, Inter Miami free up two Designated Player slots and restructure their salary framework. This is followed by the permanent purchase of Rodrigo De Paul, a deal close to $17 million that makes him the third-most expensive signing in MLS history.

As reported by The Athletic, both clubs are now exchanging final documentation to complete the transfer. If the deal is finalized under the expected terms, Berterame will occupy one of the Designated Player slots and join a constellation specifically designed to maximize Lionel Messi’s impact.

Everything is set for the 2024-25 Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. As the lineups have been confirmed, Spurs star Heung-min Son will be on the bench for the crucial match.

The forward has struggled with a foot injury since early April after the first leg of the Europa League quarterfinals against Eintracht Frankfurt. The 32-year-old played some minutes against Crystal Palace, playing 32 minutes, and Aston Villa, in which he played almost 80 minutes, in the Premier League, but hasn’t been able to play a full 90 minutes since his recovery.

With his status in doubt, Son said ahead of the match, that he felt “ready” to play against United. “I’m ready. I didn’t expect to play that long [against Villa], but physically I’m ready to go, and also the boys are ready to go for the biggest game of the season,” he told reporters.

Ange Postecoglou, meanwhile, also said that Son was available. “Well, he’s ready and he’s available. He started today. They’re all ready to start, so I think him playing 70-75 minutes today was important,” the coach explained.

However, it seems like he decided that it was best to put him as a substitute in case he is needed, instead of forcing him from the start. The South Korea international has 11 goals and 12 assists in all competitions this season.

Tottenham’s lineup vs Manchester United

The lineup of the Spurs for the Europa League final: Vicario, Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Udogie, Bentancur, Bissouma, Sarr, Johnson, Solanke, Richarlison. Meanwhile, on the bench: Austin, Whiteman, Spence, Danso, Davies, Gray, Moore, Ajayi, Odobert, Tel, Son, Scarlett.

Needless to say, they’ll need Tottenham Hotspur superstar Heung-min Son to be at his best just to do that, as he’s expected to be their leader on and off the pitch and their biggest threat in the final third.

That’s why some fans were kind of worried and shocked to watch the 30-year-old playmaker wearing a face mask in the game vs. Uruguay. So, here, we’re going to tell you why he’s doing that.

Qatar 2022: Why Is South Korea’s Heung-min Son Wearing A Mask In The World Cup?

Well, for starters, let’s get this out of the way right now and let you know that the mask has nothing to do with a fashion statement or a protest of any kind. It haspractical use and it’s to protect him from another facial injury.

The South Korean striker suffered a facial injury during Tottenham’s Champion League clash vs. Marseille. He fractured his eye socket after colliding with CB Chancel Mbemba and was at risk of losing the World Cup.

“We can confirm that Heung-Min Son will undergo surgery to stabilise a fracture around his left eye,” Tottenham explained in a statement. “Following surgery, Son will commence rehabilitation with our medical staff and we shall update supporters further in due course.”

Hopefully, the 30-year-old star won’t be limited in any sort by this mask, nor will he play with fear of re-aggravating the injury. His national team needs him to bring his A-game to the ultimate stage, and this might as well be his final shot to win the FIFA World Cup, mask or no mask.