BREAKING NEWS: Miami FC shuffles roster after agreeing swap deal with Indy Eleven
Roberto Molina and Danny Barbir will join Miami FC per USSF & USL approval
Per Beyond the 90 & The Kingfisher sources, Miami FC has completed a swap deal with Indy Eleven. Two of Miami FC’s three returning players from 2023, Ben Ofeimu and Ben Mines have been sent to Indy Eleven in exchange for Robert Molina and Danny Barbir. The transfer is pending USL and USSF approval.
From my vantage point, despite the sentiment of two of Miami’s FC’s three returning players being transferred this is a great deal for MFC. The assumption is that both will be cleared and available for Miami FC Third Round US Open Cup match against Tormenta FC on Wednesday.
Babir is a player that I rated very highly in Oakland. It hasn’t worked this year for Indy yet I suppose but from my vantage point he is a perfect fit for Antonio Nocerino’s system. He’s also a player I have tracked since his days in West Brom’s Academy. I’ll have a video on that soon.
As far as Molina he’s a seasoned player, but in my mind perhaps a little repetitive - but he does give Miami FC more options to mix up the attack.
Back to Barbir. His signing will allow Miami FC flexibility on the back line. As we know both Samuel Biek and Daltyn Knutson can play in midfield. Adding an additional high-level center back with significant USL Championship experience really helps this side and can allow play in either a three-man backline or by sliding Biek or Knutson into midfield. Babir is left-footed so this gives Knutson the ability to play as a right-center back.
Losing Ofeimu is tough but the old adage is you have to give up something to get something. As far a Mines is concerned, he’s been a great servant of the club but truthfully does not fit the way Head Coach Antonio Nocernino wants to play or what he expects technically from his attacking players.
Miami FC’s playing philosophy is clear under Nocerino. These two additions will fit the high-energy style the Miami FC Head Coach prefers in addition to adding layers of versatility to the roster. In addition, Molina gives another attacker who can take defenders on with the ball, creating space for his teammates in the final third.
So, I suppose I am unclear about transfer policies regarding USL. Does the league abide their own established transfer policy, or do they operate on a transfer window? Forgive me for my ignorance, I just thought they operated on a similar transfer policy to MLS (winter/summer).