The departures continue to flow from the Chase Stadium with Inter Miami waving goodbye to their fourth star in recent weeks.
Midfielder Diego Gomez has joined Premier League side Brighton, while new MLS side San Diego FC have acquired the services of goalkeeper CJ dos Santos and Franco Negri.
The latest star to leave new manager Javier Mascherano’s side is striker Leonardo Campana who is heading to the New England Revolution in what will be a record domestic deal.
Campana’s departure leaves Inter Miami with just one central striker, Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan thankfully signed a new contract with the Herons.
Announcing his departure from the club, Campana thanked the Inter Miami fans but also gave a special mention to ‘the greatest of all time.’
Campana’s touching goodbye message
Striker, Campana, has been with Inter Miami since 2022 where he initially joined on loan from Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers.
It would take just one season for the Herons to snap up the Ecuadorian international on a permanent deal though in which he occupied a Young Designated Player roster slot.
The 24-year-old was a consistent scorer for the side bagging at least eight goals in each of the three seasons with the club. Despite showing his star quality his game time became numbered following the arrival of Luis Suarez.
Posting on his social media to announce his departure, Campana said: “Today came the day to say goodbye to Inter Miami. It’s been an amazing 3 years in which I was very happy.”
He continued his message of thanks which also included a special shout to Lionel Messi.
“I had the privilege of sharing the court with people I never imagined sharing, especially with the greatest of all time. I would like to thank each and every person who is part of this institution and outside of it who made Miami feel like home.
“Thanks to leaders, medical body, media people, users, to the 2 technical bodies I had that made me grow how professional and how a person and especially to all my teammates with him I had the opportunity to play. Gracias por todo!”
Exploring the finances behind the record deal
Despite losing one of their star players Inter Miami certainly made sure they got their money’s worth from the star striker.
The MLS has reported that the Herons will receive a lucrative deal for their former star.
Inter Miami are likely to receive:
- $3.25 million in GAM (General Allocation Money)
- An additional $750k in conditional GAM hinging on performance-based incentives
- One international roster slot from New England for the 2025 and 2026 seasons
- Retain a sell-on percentage in any future transfer for Campana
The deal has become the biggest domestic trade since January 2022 when FC Dallas acquired Paul Arriola from D.C. United for $2 million in guaranteed GAM, plus $300k in conditional GAM.
Inter Miami will now need to get busy in the market to replace some of the star names they are losing.