Inter Miami signs David Ayala to replace Sergio Busquets and play alongside Lionel Messi.
Inter Miami officially announced the signing of midfielder David Ayala from Portland Timbers to fill the void in their midfield following Sergio Busquets' retirement.
Following their historic 2025 MLS Cup victory, Inter Miami is demonstrating its determination to maintain its dominance through strategic moves in the transfer market. The focus of their squad upgrade plan is finding a successor to the playmaking role previously held by legend Sergio Busquets.
David Ayala: The solution to Inter Miami's midfield problem.
Inter Miami's management has officially confirmed the signing of Argentinian midfielder David Ayala from Portland Timbers. The 23-year-old joins the Florida team under the MLS U22 Initiative, with a contract that runs until the end of the 2026 Major League Soccer season.
Ayala's arrival is seen as a direct replacement for Sergio Busquets after the former Barcelona midfielder retired. Despite being only 23 years old, Ayala has demonstrated impressive game-controlling qualities. Statistics show a striking similarity: while Busquets averages 59.2 accurate passes per game, Ayala also leads Portland Timbers with 47.2 accurate passes and an 88% accuracy rate.
Strengthening the Argentine unity around Lionel Messi
In Fort Lauderdale, David Ayala will have little difficulty adapting as Inter Miami boasts a large community of Argentinian players. He will be playing alongside compatriots such as Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, Gonzalo Lujan, Tomás Aviles, Oscar Ustari, Mateo Silvetti, and Facundo Mura.
Building a core group of fellow countrymen is expected to make Inter Miami's playing style more cohesive, maximizing Lionel Messi's influence in the new season.
A comprehensive upgrade to the defense.
Alongside David Ayala, Inter Miami has also completed other important signings to strengthen their defense. Facundo Mura has been brought in to fill the right-back position after Marcelo Weigandt returned to Boca Juniors. In goal, The Herons have secured the signature of Dayne St. Clair, who recently won the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2025 while playing for Minnesota United.
To strengthen their central defense, the team also successfully recruited center-back Micael from Palmeiras. With 80 MLS appearances and having won the 2023 US Open Cup with Houston Dynamo, the Brazilian player is expected to be a reliable barrier in front of St. Clair's goal.
The aggressive moves in the transfer market demonstrate Inter Miami's unwavering ambition after their double title win last season, as well as their thorough preparation for defending their title in 2026.
