Rumor Has It: Inter Miami Linked to Argentine Youth Defender Tomas Aviles

Against Cruz Azul, Inter Miami’s defense was fortunate that Los Cementaros overshot and couldn’t find the back of the net.

In their next match against Atlanta United, the Five Stripes managed very little offense to challenge the Herons' defense.

But one common thread throughout this season has been how leaky Inter Miami’s defense has been.

Yes, they’re adding former Barcelona star Jordi Alba, but rumor has it Inter Miami is adding even more to its defensive lineup.

Let’s get into it.

Inter Miami Linked to Argentinian Defender Tomas Aviles

Several Spanish news outlets are reporting that Inter Miami is directly linked to Argentinian defender Tomas Aviles.

The rumors go a step further to suggest the Herons are ponying up $7 million plus add-ons to bring the 19-year-old from Racing Club to South Florida and that the deal is close to fruition.

It’s gained some traction here in the U.S. as well.

Not to throw cold water on the idea, but another Spanish football media outlet suggested Atletico Madrid was also in the running to sign Aviles — with negotiations already “progressing at a good pace.”

That report also suggests that, if Atletico do sign Aviles, he will be loaned out to Inter Miami.

Atletico has already signed fellow defender Santiago Mourino from Uruguay, so it tracks the Spanish side would dip further into the South American talent pool to pick up Aviles.

However, Inter Miami has a big ace up its sleeve when it comes to convincing South American talent to come to South Florida: Lionel Messi.

Either way, it seems we have another Argentinian coming to Inter.

What to Know About Tomas Aviles

His professional career has been very short.

This is his first year with Racing Club after joining from its U20 side at the beginning of the season.

Thus far, Aviles has started in 48% of Racing’s senior matches, picking up an assist and three yellow cards, according to Transfermarkt.

He also has some national team experience — with two sides.

In 2022, Aviles played in six matches for the Chilean U20 national team before switching to Argentina’s U20 squad this season — where he’s played in two matches, both in the U20 World Cup.

He played against Guatemala in the group stages of the World Cup but picked up an indirect card suspension and was forced to sit out the final group match against New Zealand.

Aviles returned to play in Argentina’s 2-0 loss to Nigeria in the knockout round of the tournament.

For Racing Club, he’s played in 15 matches, starting in 12. Aviles picked up his lone assist in Racing’s 3-1 win over Central Cordoba on July 25.

A loan deal works here because if Inter Miami is paying $7 million plus add-ons for Aviles, that seems a bit high considering his market value is right at around $1 million.

Regardless, he’s billed as a growing talent on the pitch and Inter Miami could use the help on defense considering its minus-14 goal differential in Major League Soccer play.