Inter Miami Buy Out Rodrigo De Paul From Atletico Madrid; Sign Argentine On Permanent Deal

Last Updated:December 12, 2025, 13:19 IST

Inter Miami signed De Paul permanently after their MLS Cup win, filling a Designated Player spot with Lionel Messi. Talks continue to extend Luis Suarez's stay as well.

Rodrigo De Paul for Inter Miami (X)

Inter Miami isn’t slowing down after its first-ever MLS Cup — in fact, the Herons just locked in one of their brightest stars.

The club has officially triggered the $15 million buyout clause for Argentine World Cup winner Rodrigo De Paul, making his move from Atletico Madrid permanent.

The 31-year-old midfielder arrived on loan in July and wasted no time becoming Miami’s heartbeat, logging 2 goals and 7 assists in 23 matches and firing home the title-clinching goal in the MLS Cup Final against Vancouver.

He started all six playoff games and looked every bit the midfield general who helped deliver Argentina the 2022 World Cup.

De Paul now claims one of Miami’s Designated Player slots alongside compatriot Lionel Messi, taking a spot opened by the retirements of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. His new deal keeps him in pink and black through 2029.

Globally, De Paul is known as Messi’s on-field “bodyguard," a relentless engine with two Copa America titles and 83 caps to his name.

At club level, he brings nearly 500 professional appearances across Racing Club, Valencia, Udinese and Atletico Madrid.

Elsewhere on Miami’s roster, Marcelo Weigandt heads back to Boca Juniors after his loan spell, while the club confirmed it is negotiating a one-year extension with 38-year-old Luis Suárez.

Suárez’s season was turbulent — a nine-match ban in August for spitting at a Seattle Sounders staffer, followed by a suspension in November after kicking an opponent — but Miami appears keen to keep their veteran striker for one more run.

News sports football Inter Miami Buy Out Rodrigo De Paul From Atletico Madrid; Sign Argentine On Permanent Deal

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