MLS transfer roundup: Inter Miami strengthens roster, NYCFC promotes player

With the end of the Primary Transfer Window on April 24 fast approaching, Major League Soccer sides are making last-minute changes to the roster. 

The past week saw Inter Miami heavily strengthen the squad, a much-needed move by the Eastern Conference team as they sit in 12th place after five consecutive defeats. While NYCFC promoted a NYCFC II player to the first-team. 

Here’s everything you missed…

1. Inter Miami bring in reinforcements

Inter Miami has signed defensive midfielder Dixon Arroyo. 

He joins on a free transfer from Ecuadorian top-flight side Emelec through the remainder of the 2023 MLS season, with an option for 2024. 

“We’re happy to be able to reinforce our squad with an experienced, combative defensive midfielder like Dixon,” Chris Henderson, Miami’s chief soccer officer and sporting director, said in a release. “He’s a leader and an imposing figure in the middle of the field that we feel will help fill a need for us, especially as Gregore continues his recovery.”

Arroyo will likely see a spot in head coach Phil Neville’s starting 11 almost instantly, replacing Gregore as he remains sidelined with an injury. Fans can now expect the new signing to stand alongside Jean Mota, as Inter Miami attempt to turn around the season. The Herons have lost five consecutive matches to drop down to 12th place on the Eastern Conference table. 

Signing Arroyo may be the support this team needs to earn at least a draw.

2. LA Galaxy waive Chase Gasper

The LA Galaxy have waived veteran defender Chase Gasper. 

The left-back failed to make an appearance for the Galaxy in 2023, after sustaining an injury prior to the start of the campaign. Though he played an important role for the team last season, featuring in 17 games as a second choice to full-back Raheem Edwards, the Galaxy could not justify his occupancy on the roster. 

Gasper initially joined the team in a trade with Minnesota United, after making his professional debut with the Loons in 2019 and managing two goals and one assist in 80 regular-season matches before departing.

But the Western Conference team still has plenty of options without Gasper, signing Argentine youth international left-back Julián Aude on a U22 Initiative deal and Brazilian right-back Lucas Calegari on a U22 Initiative deal in late February.

3. NYCFC promotes Stephen Turnbull

New York City FC have signed defender Stephen Turnbull from MLS NEXT Pro side NYCFC II to a first-team contract through 2023 MLS season with options for 2024-25. The full-back was promoted to the senior team after two appearances this campaign. 

"We are delighted to sign Stephen to a first-team contract," NYCFC sporting director David Lee said in a release. "We have seen the progression Stephen has made since joining NYCFC II last season, and have been impressed with his technical ability, work ethic and quality he brought in preseason and in his stints with the first team this season."

4. Inter Miami & Montreal make a trade

Inter Miami and CF Montreal completed a significant transfer, seeing Bryce Suke and Ariel Lassiter join the Canadian side in exchange for defender Kamal Miller and $1.3m in General Allocation Money (GAM). According to the league, “the selling club retains a sell-on percentage for each player involved in the trade.”

Kamal joins Miami after representing Canada at the 2022 World Cup, making the MLS All Star team in 2022, and recording three goals and six assists across 88 games with Monteal and Orlando. The Herons will likely improve with the stellar defender, as the Eastern Conference team is currently struggling defensively. 

“Kamal is a standout defender who’s just entering his prime,” Chris Henderson, Miami’s chief soccer officer and sporting director, said in a release. 

“He’s improved every year of his career and become one of the league’s best players at his position. He has also excelled on the international stage, including at the biggest stage in the World Cup. Additionally, this trade gives us the flexibility to continue making exciting moves in the near future and further strengthen our squad.”