Lionel Messi's Inter Miami announce signing of Gonzalo Lujan, loan deal for Celta Vigo's Tadeo Allende

Inter Miami have strengthened their defense and attack by signing Argentine players Gonzalo Lujan and Tadeo Allende, continuing their extensive recruitment strategy in that region.

Lujan, 23, joins on an undisclosed transfer fee from Argentina top flight side Club Atlético San Lorenzo. His contract runs through 2027, with an option to extend to 2028. Allende is a loan deal from Miami, with the side acquiring him from La Liga side Celta Vigo.

Lujan has a chance to be a starter for Inter Miami, as the defense was their weakness in 2024. He can fill in at either center back or fullback. Last season the team struggled to defend in wide positions as Jordi Alba is more of an attacking player and Marcelo Weigandt was listless on both ends. It should also be noted that Lujan played on Javier Mascherano's Argentina Olympic team in Paris, so the defender should have familiarity with the new Miami manager's system.

Allende, 25, appears to be more of a depth signing for Mascherano's side, with the attacking midfielder hoping for more playing time after failing to secure a regular spot at Celta Vigo. He was highly regarded during his time at Argentina, starring for Godoy Cruz. He can play across the front positions, offering another attack option.

Inter Miami continues to focus on signing South American players, particularly Argentinean, in a high-risk, high-reward strategy. Diego Gomez is an example of where it has gone right. But the club has also seen talented young players like Tomas Aviles struggle at times in acclimating to MLS.

“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,” Raúl Sanllehí, president of football operations, said in a statement.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to join Inter Miami for an exciting new chapter in my career. I’m happy to be here in South Florida and I’m ready to give it my all to help the club achieve its objectives this upcoming season,” said Allende in a statement.

Inter Miami are now preparing for a high-profile friendly against Club America on Saturday.