MLS rising star Diego Gómez seals record transfer to Premier League club | OneFootball

Inter Miami CF confirmed the historic transfer of Diego Gómez to Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Premier League. The Paraguayan midfielder, 21, takes a big jump in his career and becomes one of the most important transfers in MLS history. For reportedly around $15 million with add-ons, this transfer marks an important milestone for the club and reinforces the role of the MLS as an exporter of promising talent.

Diego Gómez joined Inter Miami in the summer of 2023 from Club Libertad in Paraguay through the U22 Initiative, a strategy used by MLS clubs to sign young international players with great potential. Gómez delivered exactly that: potential turned into impact.

In a team filled with stars like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, the young Paraguayan quickly rose to prominence. Instead of being overwhelmed, he grew into a key role, contributing both in midfield and attack.

During the Leagues Cup, which Inter Miami won, Gómez shined alongside players who helped define European soccer. In 2024, with Luis Suárez joining the team, Inter Miami dominated the regular season and claimed the Supporters' Shield with a record-breaking 74 points. Gómez wrapped up the season with 3 goals and 7 assists in 19 appearances, earning the top spot in the league's Sub-22 rankings.

A transfer of this size and what this says for MLS

Gómez going for $15 million represents a big number, and to put into context, just what growth in value the league-MLS -continues to grow toward the rest of the international market, most especially concerning the development young talents into an international league.

Raúl Sanllehí, Inter Miami’s president of soccer operations, commented on the significance of Gómez’s transfer: "The growth Diego has shown as a player since he joined Inter Miami has been exponential. His contributions in midfield and attack were essential during a historic period for us, and everyone at the club is proud to have supported his development. We’re excited to see Diego take the leap to one of the best leagues in the world, the Premier League."

No Diego Gómez: an Inter Miami challenge

The absence of Diego Gómez creates more than just a technical gap; it opens strategic questions for Inter Miami. The club now needs to rebuild after a historic 2024 season in order to maintain the competitive level.

Inter Miami will begin a new chapter under Javier Mascherano, who takes over as head coach following the departure of Gerardo "Tata" Martino. Mascherano, a former teammate of Lionel Messi with Argentina and Barcelona, brings continuity in style and a strong connection with the key players in the squad.

A statement from Diego Gómez

Looking back on his time at Inter Miami, Gómez expressed his gratitude for the opportunity: "I'm thankful to Inter Miami for the incredible opportunity to join this fantastic organization and make history with the club. I'm grateful for the trust the club placed in me and for helping me grow as a player and as a person, both on and off the field. I will always carry Inter Miami in my heart."

Inter Miami will head into next season, considering bolstering the defense and attacking options, a clear reaction to the exit of Gómez from the team. His expected return in 2025 after the recovery from the ACL will be a strong addition to the squad.

Inter Miami’s transition under Mascherano signals a new direction for the club as it looks to build on its recent successes and maintain its status as one of MLS's elite teams.