03 March 2024 , 19:13
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Former Premier League star DeAndre Yedlin has fallen victim to David Beckham's unbridled ambition at Inter Miami as he faces being traded to FC Cincinnati.
The right-back represented a major coup for the Herons when he was signed by then-head coach Phil Neville back in February 2022 as a free agent from Galatasaray. After eight years in Europe which took him to such climbs as Tottenham and Newcastle, he was described as 'almost a DP signing' by his new boss as he put pen to paper on a four-year deal.
However, just two seasons into that agreement, the 81-time US international is set to make the move to Ohio as the Herons look to move on without him. In the interim period since he was signed, superstars such as Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez have been lured to Chase Stadium, with the franchise now happy to let Yedlin move to a MLS rival.
According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, a trade which will see the 30-year-old depart Vice City is now being thrashed out, with the deal set to be agreed imminently. Although the exact details are yet to be 'finalized', the report contends that Miami can expect to earn $172,000 of General Allocation Money.
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No players will be going the other way to Florida, with Yedlin expected to instead effectively replace the departed Santiago Arias in Cincinnati. Meanwhile, Miami will see $683,000 freed up from their current salary cap, leaving some $855,000 to use for potential reinforcements moving forward..
Yedlin earned $873,750 via his guaranteed salary at the Sunshine State outfit in 2023, making 40 appearances in total as Miami won silverware for the first time. Aside from contributing to their Leagues Cup success last term, he made 80 outings for the club in total across his spell. He was also the team's captain prior to Messi's arrival, such was his standing in the team.
The decision to part company with the defender does come as something as a surprise, with Yedlin having also appeared twice in the club's opening MLS fixtures so far in 2024. Moreover, head coach Tata Martino earmarked the full-back as a standout performer in their 5-0 demolition of Orlando City this weekend.
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Miami co-owner David Beckham has made a ruthless decision as he prepares to trade DeAndre Yedlin (Stephen Law/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)This decision also comes after sporting director Chris Henderson also spoke in glowing terms about the former Premier League defender's qualities, who previously alluded to Yedlin having been signed on his brother's recommendation. He said: "I remember my brother Sean said to me, 'You’ve got to come look at this kid that I have'.
"I just remember how quick he was and aggressive and brave. He had this energy. When you’re watching him play, your eyes are drawn to him. There are certain players you notice right away. He’s got personality and flash. Beyond his speed and bravery, DeAndre’s a winner and cultivates a culture you want on your team."
Meanwhile, he earned national recognition for his reliability with USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter having previously praised the full-back as a 'glue guy' in the dressing room. Earmarking Yedlin as a standard-bearer, he explained: "He creates atmosphere for the team. Sometimes he’s a shoulder to cry on or talk to, other times he’s a motivator."