Rodrigo de Paul is reportedly keen on a move to Inter Miami, fueled by his desire to play alongside his fellow Argentine, Lionel Messi. With Atlético Madrid revamping their squad through recent signings, including midfielder Álex Baena from Villarreal and soon-to-be-acquired Johnny Cardoso, De Paul may find himself on the fringes of the team. This situation opens up the possibility of his departure, especially given his expressed interest in joining Messi at the MLS club.
However, a transfer to Inter Miami won’t be simple. The club currently has three Designated Players: Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, which complicates adding De Paul to their roster. While Alba is locked in until 2027, both Busquets and Messi’s contracts are set to expire at the end of the current season, though Miami is engaged in talks with Messi about a contract extension.
Another challenge on the horizon is the financial aspect of the transfer. De Paul, valued at €25 million, represents a significant investment and could become the highest-earning player in MLS, surpassing even Messi and LA Galaxy’s Riqui Puig. Atlético Madrid’s head coach Diego Simeone is likely to demand a hefty transfer fee despite De Paul only having one season left on his contract.
With the ambition to enhance competitiveness in the MLS and on a continental level, the addition of a player like De Paul is seen as crucial for Inter Miami. After the club’s recent success at the FIFA Club World Cup, the ownership believes it is essential to attract top talent to bridge the gap with European and South American leagues.
As Sergio Busquets approaches retirement age and has shown signs of struggling this season, there may soon be a need for Miami to secure another elite midfielder, which could pave the way for de Paul’s arrival.
This potential move reflects the ongoing evolution of Inter Miami, which continues to attract significant talent and bolster its ranks in a bid to elevate its status in Major League Soccer and beyond.