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Cincinnati sign USMNT defender Yedlin from Inter Miami

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Messi scores twice as Inter Miami thrash Orlando SC (1:01)

Lionel Messi scores two goals in the second half, helping Inter Miami cruise to a 5-0 victory over Orlando SC. (1:01)

FC Cincinnati announced the signing of Inter Miami defender DeAndre Yedlin for $172,799 in General Allocation Money on Monday.

Sources had confirmed the transfer to ESPN's Jeff Carlisle on Sunday.

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"We're excited to welcome DeAndre and his family to Cincinnati," Cincinnati GM Chris Albright said. "He is a natural leader who will add valuable experience and quality to our group. We are confident he will be a great fit for us on and off the field, and we look forward to him joining us."

Inter Miami said in a news release that the move gave the club roster flexibility.

"DeAndre has been a leader for us on and off the field, and we're very thankful for everything he has done for Inter Miami. I've known him since his academy days in Seattle, and have been proud to see his success here, including helping the team lift its first trophy," Miami sporting director Chris Henderson said. "This trade gives us the flexibility to continue building our roster. Our ambitions remain high and we will look to use the space created by this move to improve our squad as we aim to compete for titles."

Yedlin, who played for the United States men's national team as recently as last year, will take over at right wing-back in Cincinnati manager Pat Noonan's system. The position needed reinforcing following the offseason departure of Santiago Arias.

For Miami, the move gives the Herons increased salary budget flexibility, given that Yedlin's cap hit was $683,000. In terms of who will replace Yedlin in Miami's lineup, Julian Gressel has played right-back in the past.

Gressel has performed well in the center of Miami's midfield, assisting on two goals so far this season, but new acquisition Federico Redondo is expected to get his U.S. work visa this week, and he is among the options to play in midfield.

The trade also gives Miami flexibility to acquire an additional player should that be deemed necessary.

Inter Miami have been linked with Houston Dynamo defender Franco Escobar.

Yedlin should do plenty to bolster Cincinnati's defense given his breadth of experience.

He broke in with the Seattle Sounders in 2013. The defender went on to play two seasons in Seattle before heading to Europe, first with Tottenham Hotspur and later with Sunderland, Newcastle United and Galatasaray.

He joined up with Inter Miami prior to the 2022 season. All told, Yedlin has made 338 league and cup appearances at the professional level, scoring seven goals.

At the international level, Yedlin has made 81 appearances with the U.S. and was part of the 2014 and 2022 World Cup rosters.

Information from ESPN's Jeff Carlisle was used in this report.