Inter Miami have confirmed they will add another high-profile name to their squad for the 2026 season, announcing the arrival of Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul from Atlético Madrid.
The MLS side said the deal has been agreed in advance, with De Paul set to officially join the club next year. While Inter Miami did not go into full financial details in their statement, the move is expected to rank as the second-most expensive transfer in the club’s history, underlining just how aggressive the project in South Florida has become.
De Paul, 31, has been one of Atlético’s key midfielders since making the switch from Udinese in 2021. Known for his intense pressing, energy and ability to drive forward with the ball, he brings a blend of experience and edge that should suit the style Inter Miami have tried to build around their star names.
The signing also strengthens the club’s Argentine core. De Paul is a regular for Argentina and has been a close ally of Lionel Messi at international level, playing a major role in the team’s 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph and their recent Copa América success. Inter Miami have leaned heavily into that connection in recent windows, and this latest deal fits the pattern.
From Atlético’s perspective, the agreement offers clarity over the player’s future and opens the door to planning for the seasons ahead. De Paul has remained a valued part of Diego Simeone’s squad, but with Madrid often active in the market, the timing of an onward move is not a surprise.
Inter Miami’s business continues to show the club is thinking beyond short-term headlines. With Messi’s contract situation and the build toward 2026 always in the background, adding a proven midfielder of De Paul’s profile sends a clear message about their ambitions in MLS and on the wider stage.
Further details on the structure of the transfer and the timeline for De Paul’s arrival are expected in the coming months, but Inter Miami have now made it official: one of Europe’s most established Argentine midfielders is coming to Fort Lauderdale for 2026.
