Julián Carranza joins Philadelphia Union - Inter Miami CF receive draft pick

Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union have acquired Julián Carranza from Inter Miami CF. The 21-year-old striker will be signed on loan for the 2022 season and will occupy a Young Designated Player spot. The Union will have an option to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season. 

"We're excited to welcome Julián to the Philadelphia Union and add a promising young attacker with a lot of potential to our roster," Philadelphia Union sporting director Ernst Tanner said in a club statement. "He is aggressive in the box and brings the versatility of a natural center forward who fits the profile of a striker we were looking for, as well as our style of play. We look forward to welcoming him to the team and watching him develop in our system."

Carranza joined Inter Miami CF ahead of the 2020 season. The Beckham-owned club paid $6 million for the Argentine forward—the third-most in the club's history. But Carranza struggled to make his mark at the club, scoring just three goals in 42 games across all competitions. Furthermore, MLS handed Inter Miami CF a significant penalty during the 2021 campaign for violating salary cap regulations. As a result, the club will operate with a significantly smaller budget than other MLS teams this season and next. 

Carranza to Philadelphia gives Inter Miami "flexibility to continue maneuvering the roster"

As a result, Inter Miami were forced into some tough decisions this winter. The club already traded winger Lewis Morgan to New York Red Bulls, and by moving, Carranza has further opened up space under the salary cap. "This transaction gives the club flexibility to continue maneuvering the roster, as we aim to improve the squad and achieve our objectives in the 2022 campaign," Inter Miami CF sporting director Chris Henderson said in a club statement.