Ryan Shawcross set for free transfer to David Beckham’s Inter Miami as defender rips up remainder of Stoke contract
RYAN SHAWCROSS is set to become David Beckham’s latest Inter Miami signing after agreeing to leave Stoke after nearly 14 years.
The long-serving defender, 33, has reached an agreement with the Potters to terminate his contract in order to push through the move to Beckham’s MLS franchise.
Inter Miami are gearing up for their second MLS campaign - with the season kicking off on April 17 - and new manager Phil Neville wants Shawcross at the heart of his defence.
He will join superstars like Gonzalo Higuain and Blaise Matuidi in Miami’s distinctive white and pink colours as they look to improve on last season’s 10th-placed finish in the Eastern Conference.
Shawcross has made just two appearances this season due to injury and Stoke boss Michael O’Neill confirmed he is on his way Stateside.
O'Neill said: “It’s very close to being finalised now. I think there are a couple of things Ryan has to sort out his end with Inter Miami but as far as everything to agree at Stoke’s end, my understanding is that it’s been done.
“I suppose it’s just a matter of time now before it’s finalised.”
The move will see Shawcross link up with owner Beckham – who was a superstar at Manchester United when the centre-half arrived as a schoolboy.
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The one-cap England defender never broke through at Old Trafford, his £1million move to Stoke in 2008 – having had a season there on loan – will go down as a huge bargain.
He went on to make a staggering 453 appearances for the Potters, captained them aged just 22 and wore the armband at Wembley for their FA Cup Final appearance in 2011 – where they lost to Manchester City.
He has suffered a torrid last two seasons – spending the vast majority of the time on the sidelines after a leg break in 2019 – but is now set for sunnier climes.