Inter Miami Transfer Target De Paul Eyes Messi Reunion

Inter Miami transfer rumors accelerated this week as multiple Spanish and U.S. outlets revealed that the Major League Soccer club has opened talks with Atlético Madrid over a potential $17 million deal for dynamic midfielder Rodrigo De Paul.

Inter Miami transfer chase gathers pace

According to reports in Madrid, the Herons have sounded out Atlético’s hierarchy about the availability of De Paul, who still has two years left on his deal at the Metropolitano. The 29-year-old World Cup winner is valued at around $17 million, a figure the La Liga side believe would allow them to balance their books while reinforcing elsewhere. Miami’s sporting director Chris Henderson is said to be negotiating a fee structure spread across several installments to stay within MLS roster and budget regulations.

Why De Paul fits Tata Martino’s blueprint

Tata Martino’s system relies on a high-energy No. 8 who can press, carry the ball and release Lionel Messi quickly in transition. Inter Miami transfer targets have therefore been focused on mobile midfielders with elite international experience. De Paul checks every box: his engine is relentless, his passing range progressive, and his defensive bite underrated. During Argentina’s triumphant 2022 World Cup run he ranked in the top five for distance covered and progressive passes, often acting as Messi’s on-field bodyguard.

The Messi factor cannot be overstated

Messi and De Paul formed a close friendship with the Albiceleste, to the point where De Paul jokingly calls himself the captain’s “personal assistant.” That chemistry is a persuasive asset as Inter Miami transfer plans increasingly revolve around surrounding their franchise superstar with trusted allies. Sources close to the dressing room believe Messi personally endorsed the pursuit, much as he did with former Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suárez.

Financial gymnastics inside MLS rules

Landing De Paul will require deft cap management. Inter currently occupy all three Designated Player (DP) slots with Messi, Suárez and Busquets. The front office is exploring two avenues: using Targeted Allocation Money to buy down Suárez’s cap hit or moving a high-earning non-DP off the books to free a DP slot for the incoming Argentine. MLS has historically shown flexibility for marquee arrivals, and Miami are confident league approval can be secured before the summer window opens on 18 July.

What Atlético Madrid stand to gain

Atlético coach Diego Simeone admires De Paul’s tenacity but must refresh a midfield that struggled with consistency last term. Off-loading the former Udinese playmaker would generate a transfer kitty for rumoured targets Mats Wieffer and Mikel Merino. Crucially, Atlético would remove one of their higher salaries, easing pressure from La Liga’s stringent Financial Fair Play rules.

Potential ripple effects across MLS

An Inter Miami transfer coup of this magnitude would send shock waves through the league. De Paul would instantly become one of MLS’s top five midfielders, elevating Miami’s status as the competition’s glamour destination. Rival clubs such as LAFC and the Columbus Crew are already bracing for an arms race in the summer window, anticipating that star-power signings will be needed to match Messi’s ever-growing supporting cast.

Timeline for a deal

• Late May: Initial contact between Miami and Atlético executives
• Early June: Player’s representatives travel to Florida for exploratory talks
• Mid June: Formal bid expected, contingent on MLS roster compliance plan
• July 18: Secondary transfer window opens; ideal registration date
• August 3: First possible appearance, at home versus Orlando City

If negotiations stall, Miami have identified alternative targets such as PSG’s Fabián Ruiz and River Plate starlet Claudio Echeverri, yet De Paul remains priority No. 1.

What De Paul would bring on and off the pitch

Beyond tactical value, De Paul’s charisma and show-man flair fit Miami’s South Beach brand. Fluent in English and Spanish, he would be an instant fan favorite, capable of driving community initiatives and boosting global shirt sales. Commercial experts project an additional 250,000 replica kits sold worldwide should the move materialize—welcome revenue for a club investing heavily in a new training complex and stadium.

Risks and considerations

Every Inter Miami transfer carries risk, and De Paul is no exception. His combative style has led to minor muscle injuries, while nightlife temptations in Miami could test the club’s discipline culture. Nonetheless, Martino’s admiration and Messi’s mentorship are viewed internally as mitigating factors.

Final hurdles before the green light

For now, agreement on payment schedule and salary cap mechanisms remains the last obstacle. Atlético prefer a straight-cash deal; Miami want a staggered plan tied to appearances and Champions Cup qualification. League officials will scrutinize the contract to ensure compliance, but precedent suggests a solution can be found—especially when it helps showcase MLS on the international stage.

Short opinion

If Inter Miami pull this off, it will not only reunite Messi with his most trusted lieutenant but also signal a new era of ambition for MLS. De Paul’s arrival would be a statement that the league is no longer just a sunset destination—it is becoming a viable stage for players still at their competitive peak.