4 hours ago
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Deal imminent
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Inter Miami CF are set to sign Rodrigo De Paul from Atlético Madrid. According to a report by TyC Sports, a deal between Inter Miami and Atlético is now in place. The Major League Soccer club has already reached personal terms with De Paul. The 31-year-old is expected to sign a four-year contract with the Lionel Messi club, with the transfer fee expected to be in the region of €15m. A deal is expected to be concluded in time for the MLS secondary transfer window, which opens on July 24. Once the deal is complete, De Paul, who has a market value of €25m will become the most valuable player in MLS and the third most expensive signing in league history (overview).
Naturally, De Paul will also become the most expensive player in Inter Miami's history. Overall, the deal is a bit of a surprise. De Paul was a starter at Atlético Madrid under Diego Simeone in 2024/25. The defensive midfielder scored three goals and provided ten assists in 53 games across all competitions for Atleti. But Atlético Madrid have been very busy this summer on the transfer market. The LaLiga club has already added Álex Baena from Villarreal, USMNT player Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis, and have agreed terms to sign Thiago Almada from Botafogo.
With De Paul’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, the Argentine thought the time was now right for a new adventure. One significant factor was Argentina teammate Messi. Messi has long pushed for a more physical defensive midfielder and the two are close. But how will Miami make the salary cap work? In Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, Inter Miami already have three Designated Players under contract. To make the deal work, one of those three spots would have to be freed up. While Alba is under contract until 2027, Busquets and Messi see their deals expire at the end of the season. But Miami are in positive talks with Messi to renew the contract for at least one more season.
Rodrigo de Paul to Inter Miami - A potential Busquets replacement?
Why are Inter Miami interested in De Paul? The number one reason for owners Jorge Mas and David Beckham is to continue the club’s ambition. The decision-makers in Miami were encouraged by the results at the FIFA Club World Cup, while also recognizing the gap that still exists compared to the top leagues in Europe and South America. Adding talent to be competitive in MLS and continental competitions, such as the Concacaf Champions Cup, is therefore important for the club’s brand.
In terms of roster construction, De Paul could also become an essential piece for the club. Although talks are ongoing with Messi regarding a new contract, the situation surrounding Busquets remains unclear. The Spaniard turns 37 in mid-July and has struggled for pace this season in MLS, the Champions Cup, and also the Club World Cup. There is now a good chance the 2014 World Cup winner could retire at the end of the season, and that would open up a DP spot and also make it imperative for Miami to add a new top-class midfielder. How will it work with the salary cap this season? That remains to be seen, but MLS clubs have found creative ways in the past to make the salary cap work when it comes to adding star players.
