Ecuadorian forward Allen Obando, 18, is set to join Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). The striker, who is arriving on loan from the Atlético Madrid Group, has already landed in the United States and undergone medical exams ahead of finalizing his contract with the team coached by Javier Mascherano.
According to TyC Sports, Obando was transferred from Barcelona de Guayaquil to the Atlético Madrid Group for $4 million. However, instead of immediately joining the Spanish club, he will spend a year on loan with the Florida-based team. The goal is for the young forward to gain valuable experience in MLS and continue his development before potentially moving to European football.
Standing at 1.89 meters and with a promising goal-scoring track record, Obando made his professional debut in 2022 at just 16 years old. He played 23 matches for Barcelona de Guayaquil, scoring four goals. He also had a brief spell with the Ecuadorian national team, appearing in two friendlies in 2024 under coach Félix Sánchez.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Obando is viewed as a natural successor to Luis Suárez at Inter Miami, offering an attacking option in the team’s rotation. His signing is part of a busy transfer window for the Florida club, which has also added Gonzalo Luján, Tadeo Allende, Rocco Ríos Novo, Telasco Segovia, Maximiliano Falcón, and Fafá Picault.
Once confirmed, Obando will become the third Ecuadorian to play for Inter Miami, following in the footsteps of Leonardo Campana and Dixon Arroyo. The Herons, currently leading the MLS Eastern Conference, will look to continue their strong form when they face Philadelphia Union on March 29 and Los Angeles FC in the Concachampions on April 3.
