Federico Redondo: Messi impact helps lure next Argentine wonderkid to Inter Miami CF
Inter Miami CF have added yet another exciting Argentine prospect. On Friday Beckham-owned club announced that they have added Federico Redondo from Argentinos Juniors in a deal worth $8 million (€7.45m). Argentinos Juniors will also receive 15% of any future transfer profit. “I’m very happy to join a club that is growing so much," Redondo said in a club statement. "It’s a great opportunity to share the pitch with top players,” said Redondo. “I’m looking forward to integrating in the group with my teammates. We have to go step by step but always dream big.”
Redondo becomes the fourth Argentine to join the club since superstar Lionel Messi arrived at Inter Miami last summer. Indeed, Messi and famous head coach Tata Martino have made Southern Florida a desirable destination for young up-and-coming Argentine players. Last summer, the club signed promising Facundo Farías (€5m from Colon) and Tomás Avilés (€6.3m from Racing Club). Redondo is now the next significant investment, with the Argentine potentially becoming the third most expensive player in club history.
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According to Transfermarkt Area Manager for Argentina and South America, Scott Christensen, it might also be the most surprising Argentine addition yet by the MLS club. “I thought he would go to one of the top five leagues,” Christensen said. “I have heard rumors about AC Milan and considering that his father (former Real Madrid and Milan star Fernando Redondo) has played there, it seemed like an exciting opportunity. But it seems like playing with Messi and Sergio Busquets was a big draw.”
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Redondo to Inter Miami – “One of the most promising players in Argentina”
Busquets, in fact, might have been the most significant factor in Redondo’s decision to head to Inter Miami rather than a top-five league. “His style is similar to his father’s or Busquets,” Christensen said. “He is a tall central midfielder who tries to control the pace of the game. He is a bit slow but smart and creative, usually well-placed on the pitch. I think short passing is his best skill. Redondo is a smart player, and learning from someone like Busquets might have been a big factor here; after all, he is one of the most promising players in Argentina and a youth national team player.”
That is reflected in Redondo’s current market value. With a market value of €9m, the 21-year-old midfielder is currently ranked second just behind future Manchester City star Claudio Echeverri among the most valuable players playing in Argentina’s Liga Profesional. From a pure stats perspective, Redondo managed just two goals and two assists in 58 games across all competitions last year. But according to Wyscout, Redondo ranked fifth among all Argentinos Juniors players and 22nd overall in Argentina’s first division with 54.16 passes per 90 minutes last season.
Improving on those stats and making the next step to Europe will be the prime objective after Redondo joins Inter Miami and might have been part of the family plan. “His father is very reserved, so I don't think he was too involved,” Christensen said. “But he surely gave him some good advice, and playing with the four legends at Inter Miami is obviously something with which he can grow professionally before leaving for Europe.”
- Date of birth/Age:
- Jan 18, 2003 (21)
- Nat.:
- Current club:
- Inter Miami CF
- Contract until:
- Dec 31, 2027
- Position:
- Defensive Midfield
- Market Value:
- €9.00m
- Total Market Value:
- €33.78m
- Competition:
- Copa de la Liga Profesional de Fútbol
- Position:
- 7.
- Manager:
- Pablo Guede
- Squad size:
- 28
- Latest Transfer:
- Emiliano Viveros
- Total Market Value:
- €88.35m
- Competition:
- Major League Soccer
- Manager:
- Gerardo Martino
- Squad size:
- 33
- Latest Transfer:
- Matías Rojas