Matías Pellegrini joins New York City FC - Claimed off waivers from Inter Miami CF

This article has been updated with new information. 

New York City FC have claimed Matías Pellegrini off waivers after he was bought out by Inter Miami CF and then loaned out to Estudiantes in 2021. Inter Miami CF were unable to register the player as they did not have an available Designated Player (DP) after being punished by the league for violating roster rules during the 2020 season. Pellegrini will be under contract until 2023 with a club option for 2024 and will not be a DP. 

Despite not being able to register Pellegrini, the 22-year-old still had a valid contract with Inter Miami, with the club also holding his ITC. Placing the player on waiver, allowed NYCFC to pick up the winger on a free transfer for the remainder of his contract. 

Pellegrini originally joined Inter Miami CF from Estudiantes in 2019 for what was then a club record $9 million (overview). Pellegrini managed one goal and two assists in 20 games for the Beckham-owned club. The Argentine managed to score four goals in 42 games while on loan at Estudiantes.

Pellegrini to NYCFC - Inter Miami CF have now lost all original DPs

In Pellegrini, Inter Miami CF have now lost all three of their original DPs. Julian Carranza was first loaned and then traded to Philadelphia Union, where he managed nine goals and four assists in 23 games showing the very potential Inter Miami CF saw in him when he was first signed to an MLS contract. Carranza has recently seen his market value increase from $3.3 million to $4.4 million.