Inter Miami has completed the signing of Argentina midfielder Rodrigo de Paul from Atlético Madrid, both clubs announced Friday.
De Paul, 31, arrives on an initial loan until the end of 2025 with an option to make the transfer permanent through the 2029 MLS season, Miami said in a statement.
The World Cup champion with Argentina in Qatar 2022 will not be one of Miami’s designated players initially, as the team’s three spots are held by Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. Should a DP position become available at the end of his loan, Inter Miami can sign the player to a larger deal.
“What brings me to Inter Miami is the desire to compete, win titles, to write the pages in the Club’s history,” De Paul said.
“It’s a Club that is shaping up to be great, to have a long history, so that many people follow this incredible team.”
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With just a year left on his contract in Madrid, the two sides were able to construct a deal that sees him become the latest star to make the move to Miami.
The signing of De Paul stands as part of a larger vision from Inter Miami to expand the club’s depth and quality on and off the pitch.
“We’re thrilled to sign a player of Rodrigo’s caliber. He is a winner who has conquered the world stage; his ambitions match ours at Inter Miami, and we are hungry to achieve these goals together,” said Miami managing owner Jorge Mas.
“Several of the best players in global fútbol have already chosen Inter Miami as their home, and Rodrigo joining our roster is another landmark as we continue on this journey to change the trajectory of the sport in this country and make our fans proud.”
De Paul joins Argentina captain Messi, who the club hopes to sign to a contract extension beyond December 2025.
De Paul was part of the Argentina side alongside Messi, which won the 2022 World Cup as well as the Copa América in both 2021 and 2024.
“Rodrigo is a player I’ve admired for many years. As a leader he has brought so much to the teams he has played for – especially with his national team Argentina. He brings experience, passion and quality to our team and to our city. I’m excited to welcome another World Cup winning player not just to Inter Miami, but also to MLS,” said Miami co-wowner David Beckham.
He moved to the Spanish capital in July 2021 from Serie A side Udinese in a €35 million ($41m) deal and made 187 appearances in that period, scoring 14 goals and assisting 26 times.
De Paul was a key player last season for Diego Simeone’s side, playing 53 matches in all competitions, including three times in the Club World Cup last month.
“Rodrigo de Paul bids farewell to Atletico Madrid and will continue his professional career at Inter Miami,” Atlético said in a statement posted on Friday.
Atlético has already bolstered its midfield this summer with the signings of United States midfielder Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis, Alex Baena from Villarreal and Argentine Thiago Almada from Botafogo.
ESPN’s Lizzy Becherano and Adriana Garcia contributed to this report.
