Ryan Shawcross completes Inter Miami move
The 33-year-old left Stoke City to continue his career in MLS, the central defender joining Inter Miami on a free transfer ahead of the 2021 season.
After 14 years with Stoke City, Ryan Shawcross is set to leave England to continue his career in Major League Soccer (MLS). The 33-year-old will join Inter Miami on a free transfer ahead of the 2021 MLS season, occupying an international roster slot.
Shawcross will undergo a medical before receiving his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa to join the MLS side for pre-season. He becomes the first signing under Phil Neville after the former Manchester Uninted player was appointed manager and will bring plenty of experience to Inter Miami's defence.
Shawcross is among the top 10 all-time appearance makers for Stoke City, who he joined in 2007, and racked up 25 goals and 15 assists with the English team. He was a key player when Stoke were promoted to the Premier League in 2008 and helped the Potters stay there for a decade.
Inter Miami excited by Shawcross
"Ryan fits the Inter Miami DNA because of his experience and his longevity at a club," Chris Henderson, Inter Miami CF chief soccer officer and sporting director, said in a release. "He’s going to be able to come here and be a leader, not only on the field, but his leadership will be seen with the young players and players coming through. He’s physically dominant, his feet are good, his range of passing is good and we think he’s going to be a great addition to our backline.
"Adding another central defender was important for our group and we want to create competition at every position. That’s the goal, to be able to go out every day and the players are fighting for their spot. That will help the team as a whole. That’s Phil’s vision to have competition.”