Inter Miami advancing in talks to sign Rodrigo De Paul: Sources

Inter Miami are advancing in talks to sign Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul from Atletico Madrid, sources tell GIVEMESPORT.

No deal is done yet, but talks are trending in a positive way. A potential fee is likely to be in the region of €15-20 million, sources add.

A deal is not straightforward, as Miami have all three designated player spots filled. De Paul likely can’t be signed without a DP spot, as Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets take Miami’s three DP spots.

De Paul, 31, is dubbed “Messi’s bodyguard” for his strong relationship with the player on the field. He was integral to Argentina winning the 2022 World Cup and has been a constant for Atletico Madrid since joining in 2021.

De Paul has 78 caps with Argentina.

A potential deal for De Paul would be one of the biggest inbound fees in MLS history. The current league record is Atlanta’s deal to sign Emmanuel Latte Lath this winter at $22 million, with the second-biggest inbound transfer being the $16.2 million FC Cincinnati paid to sign Kevin Denkey, who also joined this winter.

Miami head coach Javier Mascherano was asked about De Paul when addressing media ahead of Miami’s next match.

“Everyone knows the kind of player Rodrigo is, but I don’t think it’s right to talk about someone who isn’t part of this squad,” Mascherano said. “It would be disrespectful to those who are here and working every day.”