Rodrigo de Paul is looking to finalize a permanent move to Inter Miami from Atletico Madrid, according to sources cited by ESPN. The Argentine midfielder has joined MLS on a short-term deal, with the option for a longer-term contract in the future. Inter Miami’s co-owner, Jorge Mas, traveled to Madrid earlier this month to initiate discussions with the club.
De Paul’s signing enhances both the team’s depth and its overall quality, aligning with Inter Miami’s broader goals. He has officially departed Atletico Madrid, where he was under contract until June 2026, making him a free agent next summer.
While De Paul is not one of Miami’s designated players—those spots are currently occupied by Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets—he could earn a DP designation if one becomes available at the end of his loan. Regarding Messi’s tenure in Miami, reports suggest that he and the club are engaged in contract discussions to extend their partnership on the field beyond 2025.
Mas previously indicated that while conversations about extending Messi’s deal have yet to begin, there remain opportunities for players to join the team. The announcement of De Paul’s arrival came after Inter Miami was eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16, following a second-place finish in the Club World Cup group stage. The team is gearing up for the League Cup set to start on July 30.
De Paul previously contributed to Argentina’s success in winning the 2022 World Cup and the Copa America in 2022 and 2024. He transferred to Atletico Madrid in July 2021 for a fee of €35 million ($40 million) from Udinese, making 187 appearances, scoring 14 goals, and providing 26 assists during his time there.
Fan Take: This move showcases Miami’s ongoing efforts to build a competitive squad and could elevate the overall standard of MLS. The potential signing of prominent players like De Paul signals to fans that the league is increasingly becoming a destination for top talent.
