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Drake Callender and Federico Redondo Traded
After a disappointing result in the Florida Derby against Orlando City, Inter Miami CF continued to make headlines with two players heading out the door. Day one Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender was traded to MLS side Charlotte FC with Federico Redondo also being traded with the Argentine heading to Spanish La Liga side Elche. This gets some money off the books for Miami with the club reported to be negotiating for defender Gonzalo Piovi from Mexican side Cruz Azul and are close to finalizing the deal.
Drake Callender is a homegrown story having been part of Inter Miami CF since the clubs inception and inaugural year in 2020. Callender would fight his way all the way up to becoming the clubs number one keeper option. In 2023, Callender won defensive player of the year with a team-high 46 appearances with eight clean sheets. He was pivotal in the Leagues Cup final against Nashville making pivotal saves helping the club to its first ever trophy. The American was a finalist for best keeper in the MLS in 2022 as well as reaching 100 appearances for the club. Callender meant a lot to South Florida with his community engagement efforts.
Federico Redondo was already a household name with his father being known for having played with one of the biggest clubs in the world Real Madrid. Redondo played a pivotal role in the MLS record breaking season for Miami winning their second ever trophy with the Supporters Shield. Across all competitions the Argentine featured in 60 matches, scoring two goals, and tallying five assists. He had a huge goal in the Leagues Cup quarterfinal against LAFC. Redondo was unhappy with his playing time and requested the trade which was obliged by the club sending him to Spain.
Lionel Messi made his return from injury in league play against the worst team in the league the defending champion Los Angeles Galaxy. Jordi Alba opened the scoring with a beautiful through ball from Sergio Busquets to make it 1-0. The Galaxy leveled it 1-1 leaving Miami fans concerned with this possible result but the insertion of Messi changed the game. Messi with one goal and an assist to Luis Suarez late in the match secured the three points for Miami defeating Los Angeles 3-1. This result moved Inter Miami CF up one position to 5th in the Eastern Conference.
Up next for Inter Miami CF is a home match in the Leagues Cup Quarterfinal welcoming Tigres to Chase Stadium.
Written by: Daniel Torres
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