Inter Miami closing on deal to keep playoff star Tadeo Allende: Sources

Inter Miami is closing on a deal to retain winger Tadeo Allende on a permanent transfer from Celta Vigo, sources briefed on the deal told The Athletic. Allende is not expected to be a designated player, those sources add.

The deal for Allende is not done yet, but it is very close and sources expect it to get over the line this week.

Allende set an MLS record for goals in a single postseason, scoring nine times as Miami won MLS Cup. His goal deep into stoppage time put the finishing touches on a 3-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps to secure the club’s first league title.

Allende, 26, had 24 goals across all competitions last season, and it was his play, along with that of teenage Argentine winger Mateo Silvetti, that unlocked the full potential of the club’s attack as they flanked Lionel Messi. His nine playoff goals (in six games) set a league record and were integral to Miami winning MLS Cup.

Allende’s future with Miami was not guaranteed, particularly because of that postseason explosion. River Plate reportedly made an offer to sign him, and his end-of-season form gave Celta Vigo a stronger negotiating position.

Finding a way to keep Allende without using a DP spot is crucial for Miami. MLS clubs are allowed three DPs, in which they can pay players as much money as they want but hit the cap at a fixed cost. Miami is routinely linked with global stars for that final spot.

Irrespective of further moves, Miami is reloading for 2026, with Messi already having agreed to a new contract through 2028.

Former Spain and Barcelona greats Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba retired, opening two DP spots. Rodrigo De Paul, whose purchase option after his loan from Atlético Madrid was exercised, is taking one of them, and as long as Allende doesn’t wind up taking the other, the club will have a vacant DP spot to fill this winter and the ability to lure another top talent to the reigning champion.

Miami is also finalizing a deal to sign Brazilian center back Micael from Palmeiras, sources briefed on the deal confirm. The deal is an initial loan with a purchase option.

Micael, 25, starred for the Houston Dynamo before joining Palmeiras last winter. The move helps solidify Miami’s defense, as Micael was one of the league’s best defenders in 2024 before joining the Brazilian giants.

This comes after finalizing a deal for reigning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and Canadian international Dayne St. Clair, as first reported by The Athletic. The moves help bolster the argument that Miami’s post-championship roster is now even better.

Time will tell, but their offseason is off to a sterling start.