FC Cincinnati Acquires USMNT Defender DeAndre Yedlin from Inter Miami
FC Cincinnati is making moves in the MLS transfer market as they finalize a deal to bring in U.S. national team right back DeAndre Yedlin from Inter Miami. The deal, first reported by Pat Brennan, will see Miami receive $172,000 in General Allocation Money for Yedlin's services.
FC Cincinnati is making moves in the MLS transfer market as they finalize a deal to bring in U.S. national team right back DeAndre Yedlin from Inter Miami. The deal, first reported by Pat Brennan, will see Miami receive $172,000 in General Allocation Money for Yedlin's services.
Yedlin, a seasoned veteran with 81 caps for the USMNT, has been plying his trade with Miami since 2022 after a successful stint in Europe with clubs like Galatasaray, Newcastle United, and Sunderland. The 30-year-old defender initially made a name for himself in MLS with the Seattle Sounders before making the jump to Tottenham Hotspur in 2014. Since returning to the States, Yedlin has made 82 appearances for Miami.
Finessing the Salary Cap for Yedlin
The acquisition of Yedlin posed some challenges for FC Cincinnati in terms of salary cap management. With all three designated player spots filled and non-DPs like Matt Miazga and Miles Robinson commanding significant cap hits, the addition of Yedlin required careful maneuvering. His guaranteed compensation of $873,750 in 2023 meant that Cincinnati had to get creative with the deal structure, hence the specific allocation of GAM to Miami.
Leading the cap management efforts for Cincy are director of soccer strategy Kyle McCarthy and technical director Hunter Freeman, who played key roles in structuring the deal for Yedlin.
Addressing a Major Positional Need
Yedlin's arrival couldn't have come at a better time for FC Cincinnati, as they were in need of a quality right wingback following the departure of Santiago Arias. The experienced defender is expected to bolster the team's backline and provide valuable experience in the upcoming CONCACAF Champions Cup match against Monterrey. Notably, Yedlin is not yet cup-tied for the competition, giving Cincinnati additional options in defense.
Strengthening an Already Strong Squad
FC Cincinnati, the reigning Supporters' Shield winners, have been proactive in reinforcing their squad for the 2024 season. In addition to Yedlin, the team has added defensive stalwart Miles Robinson, forward Corey Baird, and midfielder Pavel Bucha to offset the departures of key players like Brandon Vazquez and Yerson Mosquera. With a formidable lineup, Cincinnati is once again poised to challenge for top honors in the league.
Miami's Response to Yedlin's Departure
While FC Cincinnati benefits from Yedlin's arrival, Inter Miami now faces the task of filling the void left by the defender's departure. The move opens up significant salary cap room for Miami, allowing them flexibility to make further roster adjustments. With Yedlin's cap hit off the books, Miami may look to add a new right back to their squad to shore up their defense.
Looking Ahead
As the MLS season unfolds, both FC Cincinnati and Inter Miami will be closely monitoring the impact of the Yedlin deal on their respective squads. For Cincinnati, the addition of a seasoned defender like Yedlin could prove pivotal in their quest for silverware. Meanwhile, Miami will be looking to make strategic moves to strengthen their roster and remain competitive in a competitive league.
Stay tuned for more updates as the MLS season progresses!
(Photo: Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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