Inter Miami signs Argentine defender Nicolas Freire on loan from Liga MX club Pumas
Inter Miami bolstered its back line on Tuesday with the signing of Argentine center back Nicolas Freire, on loan for the 2024 season from Mexican club Pumas.
The team was in need of an experienced center back to replace Kamal Miller, the Canadian national team defender who was traded to the Portland Timbers in the off-season. Freire, 29, played the first half of the 2023-24 season on loan with Olympiacos of the Greek league.
“Nicolás offers us a sturdy defensive presence who we know will work hard and help command the back line,” said Inter Miami sporting director Chris Henderson. “He’s been successful in several high-quality competitions throughout his career, and we’re excited to bring him onboard to help us compete for titles in 2024. We believe his experience will be an asset for us.”
Frieire played the majority of his career for Argentine club Argentinos Juniors and Pumas of Liga MX. He has won Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Copa Ecuador and Argentine Primera Nacional titles throughout his career.
“I’m really proud to take this step in my career and play for a great club like Inter Miami,” said Freire. “I’m looking forward to joining the group and dedicating myself to working hard here. This is an ambitious club that dreams big and I’m excited to help us compete for titles.”
Freire is the sixth Argentine player on the roster, joining Lionel Messi, Tomas Aviles, Facundo Farias, Franco Negri, and Nicolas Stefanelli. Farias injured his knee in the preseason opener against El Salvador, will undergo ACL surgery and is out for the season.
Inter Miami tied El Salvador 0-0 and lost 1-0 to FC Dallas Monday. The team’s preseason global tour continues as the team travels to Saudi Arabia on Thursday for a pair of exhibition matches Jan. 29 and Feb. 1 and then heads to Hong Kong and Tokyo for two more friendlies before concluding the preseason schedule at home against Argentine club Newell’s Old Boys.
The MLS season kicks off Feb. 21 with Inter Miami vs. Real Salt Lake at DRV PNK Stadium. Tickets are available at intermiamicf.com