Inter Miami sign defender Nicolas Freire on loan from Liga MX's Pumas

Inter Miami have signed center-back Nicolas Freire from Mexican outfit Pumas on loan for the 2024 Major League Soccer season.

The move comes after the 29-year-old spent the first half of the 2023/24 European season on loan with Greek giants Olympiacos, where he managed just nine appearances that included playing time in the UEFA Europa League.

"Nicolas offers us a sturdy defensive presence who we know will work hard and help command the backline," Miami chief soccer officer and sporting director Chris Henderson said in a release.

"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."

Prior to his move to Greece, Freire registered six goals in 129 appearances for Pumas after joining in June 2019. He also had stints with PEC Zwolle, Palmeiras and Montevideo City Torque.

The former Argentinos Juniors player joins was brought in to be Kamal Miller's replacement, who was recently traded to Portland Timbers. Freire bolsters the Herons' center-back group that already contains the likes of Serhiy Kryvstov, Tomas Aviles and Christopher McVey.

"I'm really proud to take this step in my career and play for a great club like Inter Miami. Im 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," said Freire.

Miami have dropped their first two pre-season contests, 1-0, to the El Salvador national team and FC Dallas. The Herons continue their pre-season tour on January 29 against Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

READ THE LATEST MLS NEWS, QUOTES & TRANSFER RUMOURS HERE