Inter Miami is continuing its roster evolution after the first few matches of the 2024 season.
The club has reached a deal to transfer midfielder Jean Mota to Brazilian club Vitoria pending receipt of the international transfer certificate (ITC), sources briefed on the deal tell The Athletic.
Mota, 30, joined Miami ahead of the 2022 season from Brazilian side Santos. He missed much of 2023 with a long-term injury. He appeared in two of Miami’s first three MLS games off the bench to start 2024. All in all, he made 53 appearances for the club.
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Mota’s departure comes days after the club traded U.S. national team right back DeAndre Yedlin to FC Cincinnati. Between the two moves, Miami opened around $1.5 million in salary cap flexibility.
With that newfound flexibility, Inter Miami is interested in potentially signing Paraguayan attacking midfielder Matías Rojas, according to sources briefed on the club’s plans. No deal is imminent, and would be dependent on a resolution to an ongoing contract dispute that could make Rojas a free agent. News reports in South America indicate that Rojas has been in a dispute with Brazilian club Corinthians regarding missed image rights payments and is seeking to terminate his contract.CL Merlo first reported Miami’s interest in Rojas.
Rojas, 28, joined Corinthians in 2023 and has made 30 appearances after excelling with Racing Club. He has 16 caps with Paraguay.
New midfield signing Federico Redondo is expected to make his Miami debut on Thursday against Nashville SC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup as well. The highly-rated Argentine youth international was acquired for a fee of around $8 million from Argentinos Juniors and arrived in Miami on Tuesday after the receipt of his visa.
Miami has two wins and a draw after their first three MLS matches. The club begins its Champions Cup run this week in the round of 16 first leg against Nashville. The winner advances to face either FC Cincinnati or CF Monterrey.
(Photo: Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images)
