Inter Miami’s new star forward is Josef Martinez. The Venezuelan international will replace Gonzalo Higuain. Within hours, the announcement will be made.
The MLS 2018 MVP’s move to Miami makes sense athletically and commercially. Martinez has 111 goals in 158 MLS games for Atlanta United.
Marketing-wise, Florida’s Venezuelan population of approximately 102,000 is rising rapidly. In addition, one of Miami-Dade County’s largest cities, Doral, has 35% of South American people.
Martinez will not use one of Inter Miami’s three Designated Player (DP) spots, making the signing a financial benefit. This means the forward will earn a maximum of $530k every season but will likely receive more money from Inter Miami’s TAM fund, which is set to $2.7 million in 2023.
