Sources: Inter Miami interested in landing USMNT right back DeAndre Yedlin
The speedy right back could return to MLS after eight years via the South Florida side's No. 1 pick in the MLS Allocation Order
Inter Miami’s recent trade of young centerback Christian Makoun caught plenty of people by surprise, but the move may soon make more sense via the arrival of a U.S. Men’s National Team defender.
Sources have told Miami Total Futbol that Inter Miami is closing in on acquiring seasoned right back DeAndre Yedlin with the No. 1 pick in the MLS Allocation Order. The South Florida side recently acquired that top selection via a trade with expansion side Charlotte FC, which landed Makoun in exchange.
Yedlin, 28, is on the allocation list due to his status as a U.S. international. He is currently on the books of Turkish power Galatarasaray, but is set to be bought out. That will pave the way for Yedlin’s return to MLS as a free agent, meaning Inter Miami will not have to pay a transfer fee to add him.
Yedlin would provide a boost in the experience department at the revamped South Florida side if signed, and would likely slot into the starting right back position. Inter Miami recently added Swedish-American defender Christopher McVey, who can play in that spot, but there are no natural fullbacks currently on the roster who can line up on that side of the field.
The speedy American started his professional career with the Seattle Sounders, which current Inter Miami sporting director Chris Henderson worked at during Yedlin’s time with the Western Conference team. Henderson helped sign Yedlin to his first professional deal.
Yedlin, who last played in MLS in 2014, has spent the past two seasons with Galatasaray. He has made a combined 26 league appearances, with 24 starts, and scored one goal in that stretch. In the current campaign, Yedlin has been in the lineup for each of the 15 matches he has played in.
The U.S. Men’s National Team veteran with 74 caps to his name has also previously spent time at Newcastle United, Sunderland, and Tottenham Hotspur.
Inter Miami has undergone a significant roster overhaul this winter, parting ways with several key figures from the team that finished in 11th place in the Eastern Conference in 2021 and replacing them with a much younger crop of players.