Messi’s Miami Signs Ecuadorian Forward: Next Haaland/Suarez? - Totalsportek

Inter Miami CF has bolstered its attacking lineup with the acquisition of young Ecuadorian forward, Allen Obando. The announcement of his signing on loan from Barcelona SC Guayaquil has ignited excitement among fans online, who eagerly anticipate the 18-year-old’s contribution to the team.

Allen Obando Joins Inter Miami: A Rising Star Arrives

Obando’s move to the Herons is structured as a loan deal extending until the end of the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season. Inter Miami also secures an option to make the transfer permanent upon the loan’s expiry, indicating their belief in the youngster’s potential.

A product of Barcelona SC’s esteemed youth academy, Obando’s professional journey began with his first-team debut in August 2022. He quickly ascended to the senior squad in 2023, showcasing his talent in 23 appearances across various competitions. During this time, he netted four goals and provided three assists, proving his attacking prowess.

Obando’s experience extends to high-profile club tournaments like the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores, testament to his exposure at a competitive level. He has also represented Ecuador on the international stage, with two senior team caps to his name. His international youth career includes appearances in the 2024 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament and the 2025 South American U-20 Championship.

Fan Frenzy and Expectations for Obando

The arrival of Allen Obando is seen as a strategic move to inject youth and dynamism into Inter Miami’s attack. With Luis Suarez advancing in years and Leonardo Campana’s departure, Obando fills a crucial role as a promising young forward. Fans have taken to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express their enthusiasm:

  • One user playfully dubbed Obando the "Ecuadorian Erling Haaland," predicting league victory for Inter Miami.
  • Another fan boldly declared him "Better than Suarez," highlighting the high hopes placed on the young striker.
  • Enthusiastic tweets like "LET US COOOOOOOK" and "Suarez bench lfgggg" showcase the fervor surrounding Obando’s signing.
  • Some fans simply welcomed "A new good player ????????," while others recognized his potential, calling him "Allen ‘the cyborg’ Obando, great player, as a great future."

To secure Obando’s Discovery Priority rights, Inter Miami engaged in a trade with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, exchanging $100,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM) and $50,000 in 2026 GAM.

Allen Obando marks Inter Miami’s fifth attacking reinforcement for the 2025 season. He joins fellow newcomers Tadeo Allende, Telasco Segovia, Fafà Picault, and Baltasar Rodríguez, signaling a significant overhaul and strengthening of the team’s offensive options.

Obando’s Eagerness to Embrace the Inter Miami Challenge

Allen Obando himself has voiced his excitement about joining Inter Miami. Speaking via the club’s website, he stated:

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to continue my career with a new challenge at a great club like Inter Miami. I’m ready to get to work to continue growing as a player and help my teammates and the Club fight for our objectives this season.”

Inter Miami is currently enjoying a strong season, remaining unbeaten across all competitions and holding a solid third position in the MLS Eastern Conference standings.

What’s Next? Keep an eye on Allen Obando’s debut and performance for Inter Miami as they continue their MLS campaign. His integration into the team’s attack and his contributions on the field will be closely watched. Follow Sportskeeda for more updates on Inter Miami and MLS!