Inter Miami have initiated contact with Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo De Paul regarding a potential transfer, but contrary to some reports, no official deal has been completed yet according to the latest verified information.
Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas has been in contact with De Paul’s representatives about a possible move to MLS.
According to recent reports from Spanish journalists Marcos Benito and Marcos Duran, Atletico Madrid central midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, one of Messi’s closest friends on Argentina’s national team, has been contacted by Inter Miami owners about a possible transfer. An Inter Miami source confirmed that club managing owner Jorge Mas is in Madrid this weekend.
The Messi Connection
The potential move is closely linked to Lionel Messi’s ongoing contract negotiations with Inter Miami. Messi has the same type of on-field connectivity with De Paul as he does with Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. The Argentine midfielder has been described as taking on the role of midfield bodyguard for Messi when the two are on the field together.
Transfer Fee and Contractual Situation
Atletico is said to be asking for a $17 million transfer fee to let De Paul go, though the club’s Argentine coach Diego Simeone prefers he stay. The 31-year-old midfielder is under contract through 2026 with the Spanish club.
Tactical Fit at Inter Miami
De Paul, 31, has been a key player for Atletico for the past five years, and before that played in Italy for Udinese. He is a high-energy box-to-box midfielder who can defend and cover a lot of ground.
The potential signing makes tactical sense for Inter Miami, as Suarez, and Busquets, have not yet renewed their contracts, which expire at the end of this season. If Busquets decides to retire or sign elsewhere, that would leave a high-profile midfield opening that De Paul could fill.
Coach Mascherano’s Requests
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano has repeatedly said he asked the club for reinforcements to bolster the roster, though he did not mention any names. The addition of De Paul would certainly fulfill that request for quality reinforcement.
Messi’s Contract Situation
The De Paul transfer interest comes amid ongoing contract negotiations between Messi and Inter Miami. Messi, whose contract with Miami expires at the end of 2025, is in negotiations with the club to extend his deal through at least the 2026 season, which is when the new Miami Freedom Park stadium is scheduled to open.
Contract talks between Messi and Inter Miami have been going on for months and an announcement is expected soon, according to multiple sources.
While the interest is confirmed, no official agreement has been reached between the clubs or with the player. The transfer remains in the discussion phase, with several factors still to be resolved:
1. Atletico Madrid’s asking price of $17 million
2. Diego Simeone’s preference for De Paul to stay
3. The player’s own decision on the move
4. Inter Miami’s roster planning around aging stars
Surely, Messi would also like to add quality players to the team as it chases the MLS Cup and is set to debut in its new home next season.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this transfer interest develops into a concrete deal or remains speculative.
