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<p>Initially on loan</p>
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<img alt="For a potential club record deal - Rodrigo De Paul joins Inter Miami CF from Atlético Madrid"
src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/rodrigo-de-paul-to-inter-miami-cf-1752681119-172554.jpg"
title="For a potential club record deal - Rodrigo De Paul joins Inter Miami CF from Atlético Madrid" />
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<p>Inter Miami CF has officially signed Rodrigo De Paul on loan from Atlético Madrid. The 31-year-old joins the Lionel Messi club on a loan agreement that lasts for the remainder of the season. As part of this arrangement, Atlético has extended De Paul's contract until 2027 and subsequently loaned him to Miami with an obligation to buy for €15 million. Once this obligation is fulfilled, De Paul will be under contract until 2029. Upon the deal becoming permanent, De Paul, currently valued at €25 million, will be the highest-valued player in MLS and the third most expensive signing in league history after the purchase is finalized.</p>
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<p>“What brings me to Inter Miami is the desire to compete, win titles, and write the pages in the club’s history,” De Paul stated in a club announcement. “It's a club that is shaping up to be great, with a long history, and I want many people to follow this incredible team.” Following the deal's finalization, De Paul will also hold the title of the most expensive player in Inter Miami's history. The move comes as a surprise, given that De Paul was a regular starter at Atlético Madrid under Diego Simeone in the 2024/25 season, where he scored three goals and provided ten assists in 53 matches across all competitions. However, Atlético has been active in the transfer market this summer, adding players such as Álex Baena from Villarreal and Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis, and they have reached agreements to sign Thiago Almada from Botafogo.</p>
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<p>With De Paul’s contract expiring at the end of the season, the Argentine felt it was the right time for a new challenge. A significant factor in his move was his connection to Argentina teammate Messi, who has long advocated for a more physical defensive midfielder. However, how will Inter Miami maneuver under the salary cap? Currently, the team has three Designated Players: Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets. To facilitate De Paul’s move, one of those slots will need to be cleared. Alba is under contract until 2027, while Busquets and Messi's contracts expire at the end of this season. Nevertheless, Miami is in positive negotiations with Messi to extend his contract for at least another year. Since De Paul is initially joining on loan, his wages and transfer fee would ensure he won’t be a DP until the 2026 season.</p>
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<p><strong>Rodrigo De Paul to Inter Miami - A Potential Busquets Replacement?</strong></p>
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<p>Why is Inter Miami interested in De Paul? The primary aim for owners Jorge Mas and David Beckham is to continue the club's ambition. The decision-makers were encouraged by the FIFA Club World Cup results but recognize the need to close the gap with elite leagues in Europe and South America. Adding talent is crucial for competitiveness in MLS and continental tournaments such as the Concacaf Champions Cup, thus enhancing the club’s brand.</p>
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<p>Player Comparison</p>
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<p>Inter Miami CF</p>
<p>Inter Miami CF</p>
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<p>€25.00m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€1.50m</p>
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<p>Central Midfield</p>
<p>Position</p>
<p>Defensive Midfield</p>
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<p>-</p>
<p>Contract until</p>
<p>Dec 31, 2025</p>
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<p><span>Full Player Comparison</span></p>
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<p>Considering roster construction, De Paul could prove essential for the club. While discussions with Messi regarding a new contract are ongoing, the situation with Busquets is uncertain. The Spaniard will turn 37 in mid-July and has struggled with pace this season across various competitions. There is a possibility that the 2014 World Cup winner may retire at season's end, which would open up a Designated Player spot and necessitate the addition of another top-class midfielder. How the team will navigate the salary cap remains to be seen, but MLS clubs have previously found innovative solutions to integrate star players under financial constraints.</p>
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