Giovani Lo Celso originated as InterMiami‘s top target for the winter transfer window, with MLS aggressively pushing to add another Argentina national team player added to his roster. Of Lionel Messi possibly set to reunite with yet another familiar face, the Herons have reportedly taken a major step towards securing the midfielder’s signature.
After Sergio Busquets retired from professional football, InterMiami now have two openings to address: a Designated Player slot (currently held by Messi, with Rodrigo De Paul expected to fill the other) and a clear void in midfield. To restore balance and control in the center of the pitch, Lo Celso has been identified as both a sporting solution and a market opportunity, with talks now progressing.
According to Olé diary, Real Betis head coach Manuel Pellegrini has already approved the departure of Giovani Lo Celso to Inter Miami. Although the Argentine midfielder has made significant contributions in recent seasons, his role has diminished during the 2025/26 season, making the Herons’ interest an attractive opportunity for Betis to cash in on the 29-year-old.
The past few days Betis has reportedly set an asking price of €5 million (approximately $5.8 million) for Inter Miami to complete the transfer. That fee would allow the Spanish club to cover the remaining amortization of Lo Celso’s move from Tottenham Hotspur (completed for a similar amount in 2024-2025), while also reducing their annual wage bill by more than five million euros.
Giovani Lo Celso of Betis celebrates his goal against Deportivo Alaves.
Lo Celso has also attracted interest from the Argentinian club Rosario Centralhis boys’ team, where he was able to reunite with Ángel Di María. However, Inter Miami has reportedly proven to be the most attractive destinationwhile advanced negotiations are underway over a deal that would see the midfielder sign a two-year contract with the MLS.
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Why is Lo Celso going to Inter Miami?
After starting the season as the undisputed starter, Giovani Lo Celso has seen his role at Real Betis diminish in recent months. He made 20 appearances in all competitions, recording two goals and two assists in 1,203 minutes, but his last start was on 23 November against Girona, when he was substituted due to injury and subsequently missed three games.
With the 2026 World Cup less than six months away, Lo Celso’s priority has become consistent playing time to ensure full fitness for the tournament. After missing the opening games of 2025 due to injury, he was recently recalled by Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni for the final matches of the national team.
A key figure in Argentina’s 2024 Copa América triumph, providing the assist for Lautaro Martínez’s winning goal in the final, Lo Celso is widely expected to be part of the World Cup squad. After missing the 2022 tournament due to a late injury, the midfielder will be eager for redemption on North American soil in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
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