Inter Miami picks Ryan Sailor in MLS SuperDraft, signs GK Diop, Ryan Shawcross retires
It was a busy Tuesday at the Inter Miami front office, highlighted by the selection of University of Washington All-American center back Ryan Sailor with the ninth pick in the MLS SuperDraft.
With the departures of Leandro Gonzalez Pirez to River Plate and Christian Makoun to Charlotte FC, Tuesday’s retirement of Ryan Shawcross, and the expected trade of Nico Figal to Boca Juniors, Inter Miami needs depth on the back line.
Sailor, who is 6-4, said he hopes to make an immediate impact. He adds another tall player to the defense, joining 6-6 Aime Mabika, who was chosen in last year’s draft and is expected to be promoted to the first team after spending most of last season with the USL Fort Lauderdale team.
Christopher McVey, a 6-4 Swedish-American defender who plays for Elfsborg in Sweden, is also close to signing with the club, according to sources.
“I’m super excited to get there, I’ve never been to Miami,” Sailor said on a Zoom interview. “Miami is a big soccer city and the team has a lot of buzz and that excites me.”
Sailor was dressed in a dark suit, perfect for a team co-owned by David Beckham. He is known for his leadership and work ethic and is a good target in the air. After a slow start to his college career, the Political Science major became one of the nation’s top defenders. He scored six goals last season and four the year before.
Inter Miami sporting director Chris Henderson came from the Seattle Sounders and is quite familiar with the UW program, so he knows what he is getting.
Later in the day in the second round the club selected forward Lucas Meek from the University of Washington (37th overall pick), midfielder Justin Ingram from Loyola University Maryland (48th overall pick) and midfielder Tyler Bagley from Cornell University (54th overall pick).
The day began with the signing of goalkeeper Clément Diop to a contract running through 2022 with an option for 2023. Diop, 28, is no stranger to the team and will be an experienced backup to starter Nick Marsman. He trained with Inter Miami for much of 2021 after playing for CF Montréal for three-and-a-half seasons.
Also Tuesday, Shawcross announced his retirement following an accomplished 16-year career that ended with a back injury midway through last season. The club and Shawcross mutually agreed to terminate his contract agreement.
“After having the fortune of enjoying a 16-year playing career, being a part of top organizations of the likes of Inter Miami, Stoke City and Manchester United, I would like to announce my retirement from professional football,” Shawcross, 34, wrote in a statement.
“Despite stepping out of my playing career due to injury, my passion for the game is still intact, and after having secured my coaching licenses, I am looking forward to pursuing a career in coaching. I would like to thank Chris Henderson, Phil Neville and the whole Inter Miami CF organization and fan base for the opportunity they’ve provided me to come here — I’ve really enjoyed the experience and being a part of this incredible project. I would also like to thank the Stoke City fans for their support, and last but not least, thank my wife and my kids for being a pillar throughout my life. I’m really looking forward to what’s coming next as I pursue a career in coaching.”
After signing for the club on Feb. 20, 2021, Shawcross made 12 appearances and started nine games before suffering a season-ending back injury in August.
Shawcross played 400 matches with Stoke City and was captain of the team since 2010. The center back ranks in the top 10 in all-time appearances for the English club and scored 25 goals and had 16 assists for the team.
“The club would like to congratulate Ryan for his accomplished career and for his time at Inter Miami CF as a player. Despite injuries preventing us from getting the best of Ryan on the pitch, he has significantly contributed to the club off of it. We wish him the best in his next step as a coach,” said Inter Miami chief soccer officer and sporting director Chris Henderson.
Diop adds MLS experience to an Inter Miami squad that is undergoing a huge shakeup. He started 30 regular season matches for Montreal and played two seasons for the LA Galaxy.
“Clément is an experienced professional and we’ve seen his talent firsthand as he trained with Inter Miami since September. We’re happy to have him officially join the team and add to our already strong goalkeeper group,” said chief soccer officer and sporting director Chris Henderson.
Training camp begins Jan. 17 and the season opener is Feb. 26 at home against the Chicago Fire.
This story was originally published January 11, 2022 at 9:07 AM.