Inter Miami CF is making bold moves in preparation for the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season. The club recently announced the signings of promising young talents Gonzalo Lujan and Rocco Rios Novo, reinforcing its defensive line and goalkeeping department.
Versatile Defender Gonzalo Lujan Joins the Herons
Gonzalo Lujan, a rising star from Argentine club San Lorenzo, has inked a deal with Inter Miami through the 2027 season, with an option for 2028. The versatile defender is expected to provide quality depth across the backline.
Lujan’s ability to play both center-back and fullback positions caught the eye of Inter Miami’s leadership. Club president of football operations Raúl Sanllehí emphasized the importance of Lujan’s arrival:
Bringing in a young and versatile defender like Gonzalo Luján will be important for the upcoming 2025 season. He provides our First Team squad with quality depth and reinforces our defensive unit, while his versatility will be a valuable asset as he can perform in several positions across the back line.
The Argentine defender also has a prior connection with Inter Miami’s new head coach, Javier Mascherano. Lujan featured for Argentina’s U23 squad at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris under Mascherano’s guidance, adding an element of familiarity to his transition.
Goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo Bolsters Inter Miami’s Ranks
Inter Miami further strengthened its roster by securing the services of goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo on a one-year loan from Argentina’s Club Atlético Lanús. The deal includes an option to make the move permanent at the end of the 2025 season.
Rios Novo, despite being born in Los Angeles, has represented Argentina at the youth international level. His signing adds depth to Inter Miami’s goalkeeping department, where he will compete with Óscar Ustari and Drake Callender for the starting role.
Incorporating a young up-and-coming goalkeeper like Ríos Novo helps add depth to our competitive goalkeeping department. His signing bolsters our squad as we prepare for an exciting 2025 season competing in several competitions both domestically and internationally.
– Raúl Sanllehí, President of Football Operations
Like Lujan, Rios Novo has previously worked with head coach Javier Mascherano, having been part of his 2024 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament roster. This prior experience could help the young goalkeeper adapt quickly to his new surroundings.
Inter Miami’s Busy Offseason and Preseason Plans
The Herons have been active in the transfer market this offseason, making strategic moves to enhance their squad. In addition to the arrivals of Lujan and Rios Novo, the club has brought in experienced MLS winger Fafà Picault and promising midfielder Tadeo Allende.
However, these signings have been balanced by the departures of midfielder Matías Rojas and goalkeeper CJ Dos Santos, highlighting the club’s efforts to reshape its roster for the challenges ahead.
As the 2025 MLS preseason approaches, Inter Miami has lined up an exciting series of friendly matches to help the team gel and prepare for the competitive campaign ahead. The Herons will kick off their preseason with a high-profile clash against Liga MX giants Club America on January 18 in Las Vegas.
Following this, the team will embark on a tour of South and Central America, with matches scheduled against the national teams of Peru and Panama. These international encounters will provide valuable experience for Inter Miami’s new signings and the squad as a whole.
A New Era Beckons for Inter Miami CF
With the 2025 MLS season on the horizon, Inter Miami CF is leaving no stone unturned in its quest for success. The strategic acquisitions of Gonzalo Lujan and Rocco Rios Novo, coupled with the appointment of Javier Mascherano as head coach, signal the club’s ambition and determination to make a mark in the league.
As the Herons prepare to navigate a demanding schedule that includes both domestic and international competitions, the depth and quality provided by these new signings will be crucial. Inter Miami fans have every reason to be excited about the future as the club embarks on a new era filled with promise and potential.
The stage is set for Inter Miami CF to make waves in the 2025 MLS season and beyond. With a rejuvenated squad, a respected coach at the helm, and a clear vision for success, the Herons are poised to soar to new heights and capture the hearts of fans across South Florida and the wider soccer community.
