Inter Miami’s ambitions in the transfer market show no signs of slowing down as fresh reports indicate they have made tangible progress in negotiations with Atlético Madrid for Argentine midfielder Rodrigo de Paul. The MLS side, co-owned by David Beckham, has already stunned the football world by attracting high-profile stars like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba — and bringing in De Paul would further cement their status as a destination for elite talent.
Sources close to the talks suggest that discussions between Inter Miami and Atlético Madrid have moved from preliminary interest to more advanced stages. While no final agreement has been reached yet, both clubs are believed to be optimistic about finding common ground, especially given De Paul’s close relationship with Messi, who has reportedly endorsed the move behind the scenes.
De Paul, 30, is a crucial part of Atlético’s midfield under Diego Simeone, known for his tireless work rate, aggressive ball-winning, and ability to link defense and attack. He was a key figure in Argentina’s Copa America triumph in 2021 and their World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022, where his partnership with Messi on and off the pitch was widely praised.
For Inter Miami, the potential signing represents more than just another marquee addition — it’s about strengthening the spine of the team with a player still in his prime. While MLS has often attracted aging stars in the twilight of their careers, De Paul’s age and intensity could provide a vital competitive edge as the club continues its rapid rise.
Negotiations are not without challenges. Atlético Madrid value De Paul highly and would need adequate compensation to sanction his departure, especially given Simeone’s preference for trusted, hard-working players. However, reports suggest the Spanish club could be open to a sale if the financial package is right, particularly if they can use the funds to reinforce other areas of the squad.
On De Paul’s side, the chance to reunite with Messi and enjoy a new chapter in the United States could be persuasive. Lifestyle factors and the pull of joining a project that’s building an Argentine core around Messi are significant selling points. The player himself has yet to comment publicly but is understood to be open to the idea.
For MLS, a move of this nature would further boost its global appeal. Having two World Cup winners — Messi and De Paul — on the same pitch for an American club would generate huge interest and add competitive quality to the league. Inter Miami’s owners, meanwhile, are showing that their long-term plan is not just about star power but about creating a winning team that can dominate domestically and make waves internationally.
It’s too early to say when a final agreement might be struck, but all indications suggest that Inter Miami are pushing hard to close the deal before the end of the summer window. Should it happen, the move would add yet another layer of intrigue to one of the most fascinating projects in modern football.
Fans will be watching closely as talks progress — and if Inter Miami succeed, Rodrigo de Paul could soon be swapping the red and white of Atlético for the pink and black of South Florida, ready to add his relentless energy and World Cup pedigree to Major League Soccer’s most headli
ne-grabbing team.
