Rodrigo De Paul’s €15M Complete Deal To Inter Miami

One of the biggest acquisitions in Major League Soccer (MLS) history has been made when Inter Miami and Atletico Madrid agree to buy Argentine player Rodrigo De Paul for a transfer price of about €15 million ($17 million), with possible add-ons.

The World Cup champion, 31, has verbally committed to joining the MLS squad, where he will be reunited with Argentina teammate and close friend Lionel Messi. In order to get a high-profile player and get around MLS salary cap restrictions, the deal is set up as a loan for the 2025 season with a buyout option in 2026.

Contract Specifics:

In order to enable the loan move, Atletico Madrid is reportedly going to extend De Paul’s contract, which was originally scheduled to expire in 2026, to 2027. The contract includes a purchase clause worth approximately €15 million. De Paul is anticipated to agree to a four-year deal with Inter Miami, which may make him the third-most costly acquisition in the history of the league and possibly its most valuable player.

An announcement is anticipated shortly, and the deal is being finalized in advance of the MLS secondary transfer window, which ends on July 24, 2025. The arrangement guarantees that De Paul will not start out in one of Inter Miami’s three Designated Player (DP) spots, which are presently occupied by Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Lionel Messi.

Since joining Atletico Madrid from Udinese in 2021 for €35 million, Rodrigo De Paul, known as “El Motorcito” for his unwavering drive, has been a vital member of the team. He made 187 appearances over four years, tallying 14 goals and providing 26 assists, including 10 assists in 53 matches during the 2024-25 season.

Atlético considered bids because of De Paul’s contract status and his willingness to go on a new challenge, despite his significance to Diego Simeone’s team. Jorge Mas, a co-owner of Inter Miami, came to Madrid to negotiate the contract, demonstrating the team’s desire to compete at the top level in MLS and beyond, particularly in light of their recent 3-0 loss to FC Cincinnati and their exit from the Club World Cup.

The move fits with Inter Miami’s goal of assembling a strong team around Messi, who is now negotiating a contract deal that should last until at least 2026. A major contributing aspect to the transfer was De Paul’s close bond with Messi, who was referred to as an on-field “bodyguard” because of his complimentary and protective style of play. Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory and their 2021 and 2024 Copa América victories demonstrate their chemistry, which should improve Inter Miami’s midfield dynamics.

Inter Miami’s current Designated Players are called into question by the signing. Messi and Busquets’ contracts expire at the end of 2025, while Jordi Alba’s is set to last until 2027. Given that Busquets is 37 years old and appears to be slowing down, there is conjecture that he would retire, which could open up a DP spot for De Paul in 2026.

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Alternatively, MLS clubs have historically used creative salary cap solutions, and De Paul’s initial loan status avoids immediate DP designation. The transfer fee and De Paul’s reported $7.7 million annual salary will test MLS financial regulations, potentially pushing the league to rethink its salary cap structure.

De Paul’s arrival is seen as a transformative moment for Inter Miami and MLS. At 31, he is younger than many high-profile MLS signings, signaling the league’s growing appeal to players in their prime.

His tactical intelligence, aggressive midfield play, and ability to complement Messi’s style are expected to bolster Inter Miami’s pursuit of the MLS Cup and success in the Leagues Cup, starting July 30, 2025, with a potential debut against Atlas. However, the move also highlights challenges, as MLS salary rules may need adjustment to accommodate such high-caliber signings.