MLS: Inter Miami open talks with Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo De Paul
The Argentine could link-up with compatriot Lionel Messi.
Inter Miami have opened negotiations with Atletico Madrid over a possible move for Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, according to reports.
Club co-owner Jorge Mas reportedly flew to Spain to begin discussions in an effort to bring De Paul to the MLS.
However, a transfer would likely require Inter Miami to make space within their squad by freeing up one of their three Designated Player slots – currently occupied by Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba.
While Alba recently committed to the club through the 2027 MLS season, Messi and Busquets are both out of contract this December.
ESPN sources have indicated that Messi and the club remain engaged in talks over a new deal, with both sides keen to extend the partnership.
Meanwhile, Mas said no such discussions have yet started with Busquets, though he left the door open for a possible extension.
Mas’s push for De Paul is part of his wider ambition to build a global powerhouse in Miami.
🚨 Rodrigo De Paul has said 'YES' to Inter Miami. 🇦🇷
He could be set for a reunion with Leo Messi at club level.
(Source: @FabrizioRomano) pic.twitter.com/iDkWWbw8n7
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 8, 2025
“There is a bevy of stars that I think we will bring here because we aspire to more than one star. Do we have an idea of who those players are? Yes,” Mas said in June.
“It’s not only about Major League Soccer. It’s about wanting to be the best team in the hemisphere, including teams in South and Central America, including teams not only in our confederation of Concacaf.”
At the same time, Atletico may be open to selling De Paul if he does not agree to a contract extension in the coming weeks. The midfielder is entering the final year of his current deal, and the club hopes to avoid losing him on a free transfer in summer 2026.
Despite the club’s willingness to negotiate, Atletico manager Diego Simeone is strongly against the idea of letting De Paul leave, viewing him as a vital part of the squad.
Sources added that Inter Miami are well aware of the appeal Messi’s presence could have in convincing De Paul to make the move. The two are close friends and longtime team-mates for Argentina.
Still, financial constraints remain. Miami are reportedly not in a position to meet the kind of transfer fee Atletico would demand for the 31-year-old, despite the strong relationship between the two clubs.
There is also internal concern that losing De Paul could create squad instability, as he maintains strong relationships with several team-mates, including fellow Argentine Julian Alvarez.
In the meantime, Atletico have been active in the market, bringing in Alex Baena from Villarreal and Matteo Ruggeri from Atalanta. The club also finalised permanent deals for Clement Lenglet and goalkeeper Juan Musso.