What’s Next For Inter Miami Now That An International Defender Is Moving Away?

Inter Miami Trade Away Kamal Miller For Cash

In what can only be considered a shock decision, reports suggest Inter Miami has traded away Kamal Miller to the Portland Timbers.

The Athletic also reported the move that will send Miller — a Canadian international and one of the most reliable defenders in Major League Soccer — to Portland for $625,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) and an international slot.

Inter Miami may also receive an additional $125,000 in GAM.

This deal makes complete sense for Portland.

Last season, the Timbers finished 10th in the Western Conference and failed to make the playoffs.

In the process, Portland gave up 58 goals in 43 regular-season contests. Their final goal differential was minus-12.

The Timbers actually gave up more goals in the Major League Soccer regular season than Inter Miami (54 goals).

If I’m Portland, I am cheering this deal as it brings an experienced, international defender who is just 26 and has a lot of life left to help a struggling defense.

For Miami, on the other hand, I have to question the deal.

The Herons’ defense was already weak (see goals given up above) and only retains DeAndre Yedlin, Jordi Alba and Sergii Kryvtsov as its experienced defenders.

I’m not saying it doesn’t make any sense, but it does boggle the mind why Inter Miami would send one of its best defenders away.