Image source: worldsoccertalk.com
Inter Miami have reportedly reached an agreement to sign midfielder David Ayala from Portland Timbers as a replacement for retired Sergio Busquets ahead of the 2026 MLS season. The 23-year-old Argentine midfielder joins in a deal worth approximately $2 million according to transfer expert reports.
Inter Miami Secure David Ayala Signing to Replace Retired Sergio Busquets
According to transfer expert Germán García Grova, Inter Miami have reached an agreement to sign midfielder David Ayala from Portland Timbers. The Argentine was under contract with the Timbers through the end of 2026, but with no extension close to being finalised, the Herons moved quickly to secure his arrival for the upcoming season.
No transfer fee has been officially disclosed, but Tom Bogert revealed that negotiations centred around a $2 million cash trade. The Timbers were interested in renewing Ayala’s contract, but the deal reportedly wasn’t likely to happen due to personal reasons, clearing the path for Inter Miami’s approach.
Ayala’s signing fits strategically as the 23-year-old is expected to retain his U-22 Initiative roster slot. This leaves Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul as Inter Miami’s only Designated Players, providing the club with flexibility to pursue another high-profile signing before the start of the 2026 season.
The Argentine midfielder offers a strong statistical comparison to Busquets based on 2025 MLS data. While Busquets averaged 59.2 completed passes per game with Inter Miami, Ayala led the Timbers with 47.2 passes per match at an 88 percent completion rate. Defensively, Busquets led Inter Miami in tackles per game at 2.5, while Ayala topped Portland’s charts with an average of 2.6 tackles per match.
Following significant roster turnover during the 2025 season, Inter Miami have been aggressive in the winter transfer window. The club have already confirmed the signings of Sergio Reguilón, Dayne St. Clair, Facundo Mura, and Micael, while continuing talks over the returns of Tadeo Allende and Rocco Ríos Novo for the new campaign.
