Inter Miami CF is gearing up for an ambitious 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) campaign by bolstering its squad with two key players: defender Gonzalo Lujan and goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo. These strategic signings not only enhance the team’s roster depth but also signal the organization’s commitment to improving its competitive edge as it prepares for a challenging season filled with both domestic and international fixtures.
Gonzalo Lujan: A Versatile Addition to the Defense
Joining from San Lorenzo, a recognized powerhouse in Argentine football, Gonzalo Lujan comes with a wealth of experience and versatility. He has inked a contract that extends through the 2027 MLS season, with a club option for 2028, marking a long-term commitment from Inter Miami. Lujan’s ability to fill multiple defensive roles—both as a center-back and a fullback—addresses the team’s need for depth in its back line, a critical component for any successful campaign.
Lujan’s connection with Inter Miami’s head coach, who coached him in the Argentina under-23 squad during the 2024 Summer Olympics, adds an intriguing layer to his signing. This prior relationship could facilitate a smoother transition into the squad and potentially allow for more cohesive team dynamics on the field. Raúl Sanllehí, President of Football Operations, emphasized the importance of Lujan’s signing, citing that his versatility will greatly benefit the team strategy as they tackle various challenges throughout the season. Bringing in players who can adapt to different tactical setups is often a decisive factor in a team’s success, especially in a league as unpredictable as MLS.
Rocco Rios Novo, arriving on a one-year loan deal from Club Atlético Lanús, adds an exciting prospect to Inter Miami’s goalkeeping roster alongside established players Óscar Ustari and Drake Callender. The option for a permanent transfer at the end of his loan period indicates the club’s intention to evaluate his performance closely, but it also reflects confidence in his potential to emerge as a first-choice keeper.
Born in Los Angeles, Rios Novo had the opportunity to represent multiple national teams but chose to play for Argentina at the youth level. His experience with coach Javier Mascherano during the 2024 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament is invaluable and showcases his pedigree as a player capable of competing at high stakes. Sanllehí’s praise for Novo indicates that the organization sees him not only as a backup option but as a future foundational player who can contribute significantly to the team’s aspirations.
These signings are part of a broader strategy by Inter Miami to build a robust squad aimed at achieving significant milestones in the 2025 season. Alongside Lujan and Rios Novo, the club has also secured the signings of Fafà Picault and Tadeo Allende, both of whom bring seasoned experience to the squad. Meanwhile, the departures of Matías Rojas and CJ Dos Santos highlight a necessary recalibration as the team prepares for a more competitive season.
As the team gears up for its preseason and friendly match against Club America on January 18 in Las Vegas, followed by a tour of South and Central America, Inter Miami is positioning itself to capitalize on these upcoming opportunities. These matches will not only serve as valuable preparation but will also allow newly signed players to integrate seamlessly into the team ahead of the rigors of the regular season.
Moreover, the recent injury to Drake Callender serves as a reminder of the volatility and unpredictability of professional soccer. His return to Miami for assessment underscores the necessity of having depth in each position, which Lujan and Rios Novo are expected to provide. As Inter Miami opens its 2025 season, the focus will undoubtedly be on management’s ability to integrate new talents into a cohesive unit capable of competing for both national and international honors.
The actions taken by Inter Miami CF to enhance its squad with Lujan and Rios Novo illustrate a proactive approach to roster management. By investing in versatile players who bring both youth and experience, the club aims not only to improve performance on the pitch but also to lay the groundwork for long-term success. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how these new additions impact the Herons’ ambitions.