Inter Miami CF Signs Midfielder David Ayala from Portland Timbers as U22 Initiative Player

Miami, January 9, 2026 – Inter Miami CF isn’t resting on its laurels. The Major League Soccer (MLS) club today announced the signing of Argentine midfielder David Ayala from the Portland Timbers.

Ayala joins Inter Miami as part of MLS’s U22 Initiative, securing him under contract through the conclusion of the 2026 MLS season. This move clearly bolsters the Club’s midfield depth, but also raises questions about the ongoing strategy to blend star power with emerging talent.

Ayala is a 23-year-old Argentine, arrived in South Florida after a productive spell in MLS with the Portland Timbers, where he played from 2022 to 2025. Before that, he honed his skills with Club Estudiantes de La Plata in Argentina’s Primera División from 2019 to 2022. He made his professional debut at a mere 17 years old, becoming the third-youngest player to ever debut for Estudiantes, a sign of his early promise. His 33 appearances in Argentina‘s top flight quickly drew international attention, paving his way to MLS.

With the Portland Timbers, Ayala steadily grew into a key contributor. He recorded 22 appearances across league and cup competitions in his first season and continued to establish himself as an important piece of their squad. By the end of the 2025 campaign, Ayala had amassed an impressive 98 appearances for the Timbers, contributing four goals and two assists across all competitions during his time in Oregon. This experience, both in a competitive MLS environment and on the international youth stage, makes him a valuable addition.

Interestingly, Ayala won’t be a stranger in the Inter Miami locker room. He shares a history with recently signed defender Facundo Mura, having shared the pitch with him three times during the 2020 season at Estudiantes.

Even more remarkably, he played alongside current Head Coach Javier Mascherano once during Mascherano’s final professional season. These existing connections could be crucial for a smooth integration into the team, offering an immediate sense of familiarity and potentially accelerating his impact.

At the international level, Ayala boasts a strong youth career. He represented Argentina across multiple youth national team categories, notably playing a part in La Albiceleste’s squad that lifted the South American U-17 Championship in 2019. He later earned selection for the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup. This international pedigree, even at the youth level, suggests a player accustomed to high-stakes environments.

Inter Miami CF is co-owned by David Beckham and a rapidly growing force in MLS, is clearly focused on building a squad capable of sustained success.

The U22 Initiative allows MLS clubs to sign young players with significant potential at a reduced budget charge, making Ayala a shrewd long-term investment.

His arrival suggests a continued commitment to reinforcing the midfield with energetic, experienced youth. For fans eager to see the team’s trajectory in 2026, season tickets are available now.

Fans can secure their tickets for the historic 2026 season and opening MLS match at their new home by securing Season Tickets at https://www.intermiamicf.com/tickets/mfp.