Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul is reportedly on the verge of joining Inter Miami CF from Atlético Madrid. According to multiple reports, a deal has been agreed upon between the clubs, and De Paul has already agreed to personal terms with the MLS side. The transfer is expected to be finalized in time for the MLS secondary transfer window, which opens on July 24.
The 31-year-old is expected to sign a four-year contract with Inter Miami. The transfer fee is reported to be around €15 million plus add-ons. Once the deal is complete, De Paul, who has a market value of €25 million, will become the most valuable player in MLS and the third most expensive signing in league history. He will also become the most expensive player in Inter Miami's history.
De Paul's move to Inter Miami will see him reunite with his Argentina national team teammate and close friend Lionel Messi. Messi has reportedly been pushing for a more physical defensive midfielder, and the two are close. De Paul has been dubbed "Messi's bodyguard" due to their strong relationship on the field. He was an integral part of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning team.
The move comes as a surprise to some, as De Paul has been a regular starter for Atlético Madrid under Diego Simeone. In the 2024/25 season, he scored three goals and provided ten assists in 53 games across all competitions for the La Liga club. However, Atlético Madrid have been busy in the transfer market this summer, adding Álex Baena, Johnny Cardoso, and Thiago Almada to their squad. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, De Paul thought the time was right for a new adventure.
Inter Miami currently have three Designated Players (DPs) under contract: Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets. To accommodate De Paul's arrival, one of those DP spots would need to be freed up. While Alba is under contract until 2027, Busquets and Messi's deals expire at the end of the season. Inter Miami are reportedly in positive talks with Messi to renew his contract. Sources say that De Paul will not be a designated player while on loan for 2025. He would become a DP if/when the purchase option is triggered in the winter as expected. Busquets is out of contract this winter.
Inter Miami are currently fifth in the Eastern Conference and seventh overall in MLS. The addition of De Paul is expected to boost their chances of making a run to the MLS Cup Final. Messi has been in sensational form, scoring 10 goals and registering five assists in his last five games. De Paul's arrival could also be a key factor in ensuring that Lionel Messi extends his stay with Inter Miami. The signing of De Paul, who is widely regarded as Messi's confidant on and off the field, could be the final piece needed to extend the Argentine icon's stay.
