Inter Miami Stuns MLS with Blockbuster Drake Callender Trade to Division Rival

In a surprising turn of events, Inter Miami has decided to part ways with Drake Callender, who served as the primary goalkeeper during the club's championship victories.

As reported by Givemesport, Charlotte FC and Miami have finalized a deal that will bring Callender to the Carolina-based team. Bogert additionally notes that the keeper was unaware of his transfer destination and had no involvement in the negotiation proceedings.

While other MLS clubs reportedly showed interest, Charlotte FC emerged victorious in securing his services and now possesses what could be considered the most formidable goalkeeping depth in the league. With current MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Kristijan Kahlina firmly established as their number one, Callender appears destined for a substitute position.

A reserve role isn't unfamiliar territory for Callender, who previously lost his starting position at Miami following the club's acquisition of Óscar Ustari toward the conclusion of 2024. This season saw Callender make just three appearances before being ruled out since April due to surgery for a herniated disc condition.

With Ustari also dealing with injury concerns, Rocco Ríos Novo has performed admirably between the posts for the Herons lately, further diminishing Callender's necessity to the squad.

This represents a dramatic decline for Callender, who had been Miami's first-choice goalkeeper across the previous three campaigns. He was the man between the sticks during their historic journey to capture the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield, along with the franchise's 2023 Leagues Cup victory secured through a penalty shootout triumph over Nashville SC. His consistent displays in recent seasons also resulted in selections for the USMNT squad.

Callender departs Miami after featuring in 118 matches, establishing a franchise record, during which he allowed 183 goals while recording 19 shutouts. Although facing limited opportunities for regular minutes in Charlotte, the 27-year-old will aim to revitalize his career at his new destination once he completes his recovery from injury.

Miami's decision to transfer a valuable player to the team immediately trailing them in the MLS Eastern Conference table indicates that Javier Mascherano has complete confidence in the goalkeeping options currently available to him.