Inter Miami's Ruiz to get fresh start with Red Bulls

Miami's midfield depth limits homegrown's chance to grow

Inter Miami is sending Heron homegrowns Noah Allen and David Ruiz to new MLS homes to make room for new signings Riquelme Fillipi and Matías Galarza.

Moving Allen, 22, a Greek American defender from Pembroke Pines, is a head-scratcher; a capable left wing back and center back, he’s been one of the Herons’ most reliable players since joining the first team in 2022.

But leaving the midfield-heavy Inter Miami roster could be a career-changing opportunity for Ruiz, also 22, a central midfielder from Little Havana.

Red Bull New York has acquired Ruiz on loan from the Herons through the end of the 2026 season with an option to buy his contract. The Red Bulls also will send Inter Miami $75,000 in general allocation money for 2027.

“David is a player who can impact the game in a lot of different ways,” Red Bulls coach Michael Bradley said in a news release from the team. “He has the ability to play forward, cover ground, compete, and make things happen with the ball. We are excited about the opportunity to work with him and we believe he can be an important addition to the group.”

Ruiz joined Inter Miami Academy in 2021 and immediately began playing with Inter Miami II in USL League One and MLS Next Pro, contributing two assists in 22 appearances.

He signed a first-team contract in April 2023 that eventually was extended through 2029. Ruiz played more than 1,200 minutes for the 2023 Leagues Cup champions and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield winners, contributing four goals and four assists, but three separate hamstring injuries have limited Ruiz’ minutes the past two seasons. Ruiz also has made 10 appearances and scored three goals for the Honduran national team.

While Ruiz has struggled with fitness, the Herons have collected perhaps the league's best collection of midfield talent; Ruiz would be battling Casemiro, Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia and newcomer Galarza for playing time.

Bradley's system demands high energy, hardworking players, and Ruiz likely will join a midfield rotation that includes Ronald Donkor, Adri Mehmeti and Emil Forsberg.

Ruiz is still a young player who deserves a chance to find out how good he can be, but to develop, he needs playing time. He's not going to get it in Miami so I'm happy to see him get this opportunity.

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