Why Rodrigo de Paul Can’t Wait to Team Up with Messi at Inter Miami

Could De Paul be leaving Atleti?

Atlético Madrid is active in the current transfer window. The La Liga club has already secured midfielder Álex Baena from Villarreal and is also in talks to sign USMNT player Johnny Cardoso. With these new additions, Rodrigo De Paul may find himself surplus to requirements. According to Fabrizio Romano, De Paul has shown interest in reuniting with his fellow Argentine, Lionel Messi, at Inter Miami CF.

Bringing De Paul to Inter Miami, however, presents challenges. The club currently has three Designated Players: Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets. To facilitate this transfer, they would need to clear one of these spots. While Alba’s contract runs until 2027, Messi and Busquets are both set to become free agents at the end of this season. Inter Miami is reportedly in constructive discussions with Messi about extending his stay for at least another year.

Financial constraints aren’t the only hurdle for Inter Miami. Although De Paul’s contract with Atlético Madrid expires after this season, head coach Diego Simeone is likely to demand a hefty transfer fee for the 31-year-old midfielder. Currently valued at €25 million, De Paul would then become the most valuable player in Major League Soccer, surpassing Messi and LA Galaxy’s Riqui Puig.

Rodrigo de Paul: A Potential Replacement for Busquets?

So why is Inter Miami eyeing De Paul? The primary motivation for owners Jorge Mas and David Beckham is to bolster the club’s ambitions. The leadership in Miami was heartened by their performance at the FIFA Club World Cup, while also acknowledging the considerable gap that still exists when compared to elite leagues in Europe and South America. It is crucial for the club’s brand to attract talent capable of competing in MLS and continental tournaments like the Concacaf Champions Cup.

In terms of team structure, De Paul could be a pivotal addition. While negotiations with Messi for a new contract are ongoing, the future of Busquets remains uncertain. Set to turn 37 in mid-July, Busquets has faced challenges with pace this season across MLS, the Champions Cup, and the Club World Cup. The prospect that the 2014 World Cup champion might retire after this season could create an opening for Miami to sign a new elite midfielder.