Inter Miami continue to demonstrate major ambition ahead of the 2026 season by securing goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair on a free transfer, a move that underscores the club’s determination to elevate the squad built around Lionel Messi.
Lionel Messi’s MVP campaign and Inter Miami’s triumph in the 2025 MLS Cup have laid a strong foundation for the club’s leadership to aggressively reinforce the roster, while also expanding ambitions on the international stage. In line with a long-term strategy targeting 2026, the Florida-based club has officially confirmed the signing of a member of the 2025 MLS Best XI on a free transfer.
Accordingly, Inter Miami have officially announced the acquisition of goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. The Canadian international quickly emerged as one of the most sought-after names of the winter transfer window after his contract with Minnesota United expired, and Inter Miami acted decisively to secure his signature.
According to initial reports from The Athletic journalist Tom Bogert, Inter Miami began pursuing St. Clair as early as mid-December. Despite serving as team captain and making 159 appearances for Minnesota United, the goalkeeper declined a multi-million-dollar contract extension. Upon entering free agency, the project built around Lionel Messi proved to be the decisive factor in convincing the Canadian star to join Inter Miami.
Following an outstanding 2025 season, St. Clair was named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and earned a place in the league’s Best XI. With him guarding the net, Minnesota United enjoyed the best regular season in club history, collecting 58 points, boasting the second-best defensive record in MLS 2025, and reaching the Western Conference semifinals for the second consecutive year (2024, 2025).
Inter Miami confirmed that St. Clair has signed a contract running through the end of the 2026 MLS season, with a club option to extend until June 2027. After Messi publicly expressed dissatisfaction in 2025 regarding limitations in squad building, the signing of the Canadian goalkeeper highlights Inter Miami’s progress and ambitious level of investment ahead of the 2026 campaign.
As multiple contracts expired following the 2025 season, Inter Miami entered a busy winter transfer window in preparation for the new MLS season. While several key players from last year have departed or retired, the club’s leadership remains committed to strengthening squad depth.
In addition to the MLS SuperDraft, St. Clair is Inter Miami’s third new signing of the current transfer window. The Canadian goalkeeper joins Fort Lauderdale alongside fullbacks Sergio Reguilón and Facundo Mura, both of whom also arrived as free agents.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami remain involved in several negotiations that could be finalized in the coming days, including MLS Cup 2025 champion Rocco Ríos Novo, interest in U.S. international midfielder Matko Miljevic, and the possibility of loaning defender Micael from Palmeiras. While an extension for Tadeo Allende has yet to be resolved, Inter Miami have made it clear that they are far from finished in the transfer market.