'We’re not signing just to sign' - Inter Miami's Javier Mascherano dodges transfer questions on Cruz Azul’s Gonzalo Piovi

Javier Mascherano has made it clear in multiple press conferences that he prefers not to comment on players who aren’t yet part of his squad. That was the case again when asked about Gonzalo Piovi, the Cruz Azul left-back linked with a move to Inter Miami.

“I like to speak about the players I have - first out of respect for my squad, and also for the player and his current club. If everything being talked about actually happens, we’ll address it then. If we can find players who can genuinely strengthen us, that’s fine. But I’m not one to sign players just to sign. If someone can give us that extra quality, they’re welcome,” Mascherano said on Friday.

Reports in Mexico and the U.S. suggest that Inter Miami is close to signing the 30-year-old defender for a fee in the $6-7 million range. Piovi joined Cruz Azul from Racing in 2024 for $2.5 million and has made 74 appearances for La Máquina.

Mascherano noted he’s comfortable with his current roster despite the departures of Federico Redondo and Drake Callender, though he didn’t rule out further additions. 

“We’ll see what options are out there," he said. "Numerically, the squad looks smaller, but I think we’re quite balanced. Maybe we’re missing a player in one or two positions, but with three months left in the season, we’re in good shape. We’ve also recovered players we couldn’t count on for a long time, and that’s made the team more balanced.”

The Argentine coach also explained Redondo’s move to Elche in Spain’s La Liga. 

“Fede’s transfer had already been in negotiations," he said. "He told the club he was open to leaving, and everything came together very quickly.”

The Herons will host LA Galaxy on Saturday before facing Tigres on Wednesday in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals.