Fakayejo Paul
Miami, USA / Madrid, Spain – Inter Miami are reportedly on the cusp of securing a major coup, with reports indicating they are closing in on a deal for Argentine World Cup winner Rodrigo de Paul.
Atlético Madrid has reportedly accepted Inter Miami’s proposal, bringing the transfer significantly closer to completion.
Sources reveal that talks, which were already in advanced stages last week, have now progressed to the point where a deal between the two clubs is almost finalized. Final details are currently being ironed out for a four-year contract for the dynamic midfielder.
De Paul, a crucial component of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph alongside Lionel Messi, has been a key player for Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid since joining in 2021.
However, with his contract expiring in June 2026, Atlético Madrid appears willing to cash in on the 31-year-old this summer rather than risk losing him on a free transfer next year. Reports suggest a potential transfer fee in the region of €15-20 million.
For Inter Miami, this signing would be another blockbuster acquisition, further solidifying their “Galácticos” squad in Major League Soccer (MLS).
The prospect of reuniting with Lionel Messi on a club level is understood to be a significant draw for de Paul, who is famously known as “Messi’s bodyguard” due to their close relationship on the field.
While Inter Miami currently has all three Designated Player (DP) spots filled (occupied by Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets), the imminent arrival of de Paul suggests that the club is actively working on resolving this.
Speculation has surrounded the future of certain players, and de Paul’s signing could prompt a reshuffle in their DP lineup.
With the deal now “almost done” between the clubs and final contract details being sorted, an official “here we go” announcement is anticipated soon.
This move promises to further elevate the profile of MLS and provide Inter Miami with a proven, world-class midfielder to complement their star-studded attack.