Photo via Inter Miami via X
Inter Miami’s 2026 roster is beginning to take clearer shape as the club balances short-term competitiveness with long-term sustainability. Multiple developments across South America, MLS, and Europe point to an active, calculated transfer window guided by Miami’s evolving sporting strategy. With the global transfer market responding, key roster decisions for 2026 are already underway.
Push for the Goalkeeper Position
The position Inter Miami have targeted most aggressively for the 2026 roster build is the goalkeeper spot. Miami initially pursued Talleres goalkeeper Guido Herrera, but negotiations stalled due to disagreements over the transfer fee. This pushed Inter Miami to pivot toward Minnesota United star Dayne St. Clair, the 28-year-old Canada international who was recently named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, as reported by the Miami Herald and MLS insider Tom Bogert.
The move toward St. Clair prompted Talleres to reconsider their stance. They later accepted Miami’s offer for Herrera, a shift acknowledged by the goalkeeper’s agent. However, current indications suggest that Dayne St. Clair remains Inter Miami’s priority for 2026.
Meanwhile, MLS Cup–winning goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo—whose loan from Lanús had expired and who was initially believed to be outside Miami’s 2026 plans—has now been permanently signed. Miami acquired 70 percent of his rights, securing the 22-year-old for three seasons. This was another case in which Inter Miami used market leverage to reach favorable terms. The remaining question is how the club will proceed with veteran goalkeeper Óscar Ustari, who is on a high-value deal.
River Plate Pressure and Market Competition
River Plate continue to move aggressively in the transfer market, targeting players previously monitored by Miami. According to El Gráfico and Diario El Norte, River opened negotiations for San Lorenzo center back Jhohan Romaña, submitting an offer for 50 percent of his rights. San Lorenzo rejected that bid, preferring a full sale due to financial strain. Romaña has been on Miami’s radar, but no formal bid has been made, making this more an example of overlapping scouting than direct competition.
River Plate Interest Shifts Toward Tadeo Allende
River Plate have now shifted their attention toward Tadeo Allende, Inter Miami’s MLS Cup Playoffs hero and one of the standout performers of the season. Celta de Vigo, who own Allende’s rights, are reportedly leaning toward River’s proposal due to its payment structure and valuation. Inter Miami can only re-sign Allende if they designate him as a Designated Player—a major roster decision, as Miami has just one DP slot left for 2026.
River are negotiating to acquire 50 percent of Allende’s economic rights. The forward, who scored more than 20 goals for Inter Miami, has become a priority target for River’s rebuild and one of the most pivotal decisions Miami must make this offseason.
Facundo Mura Set to Join Inter Miami
Facundo Mura has officially bid farewell to Racing Club and is set to join Inter Miami CF, with only final registration steps remaining. The right back turned down interest from River Plate and chose Miami, influenced in part by the opportunity to play alongside Lionel Messi and the club’s long-term project. Mura’s arrival provides immediate depth and experience on the right side of Miami’s back line heading into the 2026 season.
Continued Argentine Scouting: Short- and Long-Term Targets
Inter Miami’s scouting footprint in Argentina remains robust, with multiple long-term evaluations underway. As previously reported by InterMiamiDaily, the club has been monitoring Boca Juniors defender Lautaro Di Lollo as a potential addition to the Inter Miami 2026 roster. ESPN Argentina’s Emiliano Raddi reaffirmed that Miami continue to track the 21-year-old, although no negotiations have started.
Di Lollo is under contract with Boca through 2029 and carries a reported $15 million release clause. With European clubs also monitoring him, this remains a long-term scouting investment rather than an imminent transfer.
Midfield Reinforcement on the Radar
Inter Miami’s pursuit of midfield reinforcements includes Giovani Lo Celso, whose situation is evolving quickly. Diario de Sevilla reports that Miami are tracking the Argentine midfielder as part of their 2026 roster planning, with Real Betis open to a sale in the €5 million range. His tactical intelligence, international experience, and chemistry with Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul make him a strong fit for Miami’s long-term midfield strategy.
Sources in Spain also report that Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini has approved Lo Celso’s departure, with negotiations between Inter Miami and Betis now at an advanced stage. Lo Celso is seeking regular minutes ahead of the next World Cup cycle, making Miami an appealing destination.
A Calculated Window, Not a Splashy One
Inter Miami’s 2026 offseason is shaping up to be one of the most important in club history—not because the roster is being rebuilt, but because it is being refined. According to Footy Analytic Musings’ roster and salary-cap analysis, Miami may enter this winter with more financial flexibility than most recent MLS champions. Expiring contracts, allocation funds, and structured deals give the club room to strengthen key areas without disrupting its championship core.
The strategic focus is shifting toward smart reinforcements, depth, and long-term sustainability—especially with Miami Freedom Park’s opening and multiple competitions ahead.
This isn’t about splash.
It’s about sustainability at the top.
Sources:
- El Gráfico
- Diario El Norte
- Diario de Sevilla
- ESPN Argentina (Emiliano Raddi)
- Reporting by César Luis Merlo
- Footy Analytic Musings (Substack)
- InterMiamiDaily Blane Garfield
