Soccer
TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Trade
- NE receive: Leo Campana
- MIA receive: Up to $3.25m GAM, int’l roster slot, sell-on %
The New England Revolution have acquired striker Leo Campana from Inter Miami CF for an MLS-trade record fee of $2.5 million in guaranteed General Allocation Money (GAM), the clubs announced Thursday.
Trade details
Inter Miami could ultimately receive up to $3.25 million in GAM in return for the 24-year-old Ecuador international, with an additional $750k in conditional GAM hinging on performance-based incentives.
Additionally, Inter Miami receive one international roster slot from New England for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. They also retain a sell-on percentage in any future transfer for Campana.
The previous MLS-trade record fee was established in January 2022 when FC Dallas acquired Paul Arriola from D.C. United for $2 million in guaranteed GAM, plus $300k in conditional GAM.
MLS-proven goalscorer
Campana joined Inter Miami ahead of the 2022 season, originally on loan from Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers before securing a permanent move in January 2023.
Now, Campana departs as Inter Miami’s second-leading scorer across all competitions. He scored 32 times for the club, trailing only Lionel Messi (34) and surpassing Gonzalo Higuaín (29).
Campana helped Inter Miami win the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 Supporters’ Shield titles. He produced 28g/8a in 80 MLS matches, providing vital depth and competition in 2024 alongside Newcomer of the Year finalist Luis Suárez.
“Leo has been an important player for Inter Miami over the past three years,” said Raúl Sanllehí, Inter Miami’s president of football operations. “His contributions in attack were key throughout a historic period in which we clinched our first two titles.
“We are thankful for his contributions in a crucial time of growth for our club and wish him the best in the future. The General Allocation Money will allow us to continue to strengthen our roster for the 2025 season.”
Los sueños que nos regalaste vivirán por siempre. Gracias, Campana. ????✨ pic.twitter.com/TufQ9IVh6c
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) December 20, 2024
New England fit
With this move, New England have a new No. 9 centerpiece to support an attack featuring DPs Carles Gil and Tomás Chancalay, club-record signing Luca Langoni and rising Bosnian international Esmir Bajraktarević.
There are rumors that New England, amid a squad overhaul, will transfer Giacomo Vrioni abroad this winter. The DP No. 9 has 16g/3a in 67 matches since arriving in the summer of 2022 from Serie A powerhouse Juventus.
In 2024, the Revs scored an MLS-low 37 goals and missed the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. Vrioni was their leading scorer with nine goals.
“Leo Campana is a proven goalscorer whose arrival strengthens a crucial position of need for our team as we work to improve our offensive production this season,” said Revs sporting director Curt Onalfo.
“Leo is a forward we have had our eyes on for quite some time, so we are thrilled to have him in our club. We are pleased to have another important piece of the puzzle in place before preseason begins.”
From @InterMiamiCF to Nueva Inglaterra – a new chapter begins for Leonardo Campana! ????⚽️ pic.twitter.com/Sp4gfflawW
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) December 19, 2024
More from Miami?
With an influx of GAM, Inter Miami are poised to tackle a busy offseason that’s already seen them transfer winger/midfielder Diego Gómez to English Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion for a club-record fee (reportedly $15 million).
Managing owner Jorge Mas has stressed that Inter Miami will explore every avenue available to strengthen their roster before competing in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Last season, the Herons set an MLS single-season points record (74) and scored an MLS-best 79 goals. Messi and Suárez scored 20 goals apiece, finishing top-four in the Golden Boot presented by Audi race.
Revs refresh
Campana is New England’s fourth newcomer this offseason, following midfielder Jackson Yueill and center backs Mamadou Fofana and Brayan Ceballos.
The Barcelona SC product has played 16 times for Ecuador’s senior national team, highlighted by games at the 2021 Copa América.
“I am thrilled to join the New England Revolution and can’t wait to give my all for this incredible club,” Campana said. “I’m looking forward to connecting with the fans and chasing success together.”
Read MoreBecki Wrona