Romeo Beckham is ready to snub a return to Inter Miami to play alongside Lionel Messi in favour of staying with Brentford next season.
The 20-year-old has has followed in his famous father's footsteps in becoming a footballer and turned out 20 times for the Floridan franchise's second string in 2022. He moved back to his homeland to join Brentford B on loan last season, featuring as the club's reserve side won the Premier League Cup.
The youth prospect is now looking to make his stay in the English capital permanent as he aims to continue his development with the Bees. A full-time switch to the Bees would see him turn his back on his dad's club, as well as missing out on the chance to play alongside the legendary Messi, who signed for Inter Miami earlier this month.
The iconic Argentinian forward's announcement of his impending arrival in the Sunshine State has captured the imaginations of spectators stateside, with all matches against Inter Miami selling out within days of his decision to sign. With the World Cup set to be held in the US in three years time, it is likely that the 35-year-old's rock star-like status will help to catapult the popularity of the sport in the country.
Already, it would be fair to say that 'Messi Mania' is sweeping the States, with the former Barcelona man likely to be the biggest draw to MLS since the arrival of Romeo's father at LA Galaxy in 2007. However, the chance of a Beckham lining up alongside Messi appears to have been quashed with the midfielder seeing his future back in England.
A source told the Mirror that to stay at Brentford is "almost done" and "there are just a couple of financial aspects to be ironed out". One reason that has been given for his decision is his desire to live nearby his girlfriend Mia Regan.
The couple previously struggled due to the long-distance nature of their relationship while the prospect was living in the US. A source told the Mirror told that their relationship is now back on an even keel after the forward returned to the UK.
They said: “While Romeo was off playing for Inter Miami, he and Mia both found the long-distance relationship difficult. Despite their best efforts, it really took its toll and they split up for a while.
"But when he returned to the UK on loan to Brentford they rekindled things, and things are going really well. So when Romeo got the offer to stay at Brentford he was thrilled."