World Cup champion Rodrigo de Paul called Miami “incredible” after joining the club’s Atletico Madrid deal, which would require Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba or Lionel Messi to leave in January.
Midfielders are expected to join Miami’s designated player (DP) (DP) permanently before the start of next season, with full salaries not meeting the team’s overall salary cap – meaning one of their three existing DPS must give in.
Center defender Busquets are most likely to leave as Alba signed a contract extension earlier this year and Messi is in talks to extend its deal.
Get ready. put. go. 💗 pic.twitter.com/0hgol6chnm
– Inter Miami CF (@intermiamiicf) July 26, 2025
Rodrigo de Paul Inter Miami transfer
“Let me bring me Miami’s desire to win, win, write a page in club history,” said the 31-year-old, who joined Messi in Argentina’s 62 appearances, including their victory in the 2021 and 2024 Copa America finals and the 2022 World Cup finals.
“It’s a club with a long history that has kept many people following this incredible team.”
Miami co-owner and former England captain David Beckham called de Paul “a player I admire for years.”
“As a leader, he has brought a lot of things to the team he plays for, especially in Argentina,” Beckham said.
“He brings experience, enthusiasm and quality to our team and our city. I’m happy to welcome another World Cup champion not only to the Miami International Cup, but also to the MLS.”
Rodrigo de Paul contract, salary, transfer fee
According to AS, Miami will pay $16 million for De Paul and reported that he will make about $750,000 for the rest of 2025.
The report added that signing Paul without a doubt while maintaining the salary cap limit, Miami has “extended credibility”, but MLS and club sources believe the “book” move, players gave up or delayed their salaries.
Former racing club, Valencia and Udinese player De Paul earns about $150,000 a week until 2026, according to Capology.
Rodrigo de Paul Stats: Atletico Madrid, Argentina
De Paul contributed 57 goals and 74 assists in the Almosst 500 club appearance, including 187 games, 14 goals and 26 assists, contributing to Atleti, winning a spot in Laliga this season in the 2024/25 season.
He has won 78 blocks since his senior international debut in 2018 and established his own starter and is expected to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico next year.
Miami co-owner Jorge Mas said signing a de Paul “caliber” player is part of Miami’s ambitious to “inspire our fans to dream.”
Mas added: “He was a winner who conquered the world stage… Rodrigo’s joining us is another landmark as we continue this journey that changed the trajectory of the sport in this country and made our fans proud.”
How to watch Inter Miami V Cincinnati: Live, TV Channel
De Paul will be introduced to fans before Miami’s home game against Cincinnati against Chase Stadium and will begin training on the team’s game once he gets an international license and visa.
Saturday’s kickoff time is 19:15 ET (16:15 PT on Saturday/Saturday 00:15 BST), and real-time coverage is available on Apple TV+ via the MLS Season Pass.
In the U.S., subscriptions are priced at $14.99 per month or $69 per quarter. Existing Apple TV+ subscribers pay $12.99 per month or $59 per quarter.
