Rodrigo De Paul Joins Inter Miami Permanently as Club Activates €15m Transfer Clause

Inter Miami have officially activated the purchase clause to sign Rodrigo De Paul from Atlético Madrid on a permanent deal, with the Spanish club set to receive €15 million for the Argentine World Cup winner. The transfer, confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on December 12, 2025, secures the 31-year-old midfielder’s services through the 2029 MLS season and represents a significant coup for the Florida-based franchise.

Rodrigo De Paul’s Permanent Move to Inter Miami

Rodrigo De Paul initially joined Inter Miami on loan from Atlético Madrid in July 2025, with a purchase option included in the agreement. After contributing 2 goals and 7 assists in 23 appearances across all competitions during his loan spell, Inter Miami have now exercised that option, making the Argentine international a permanent fixture at the club for €15 million.

The World Cup winner has signed a contract that runs through 2029, securing his long-term future in Major League Soccer. Rodrigo De Paul will occupy a Designated Player roster spot alongside compatriot Lionel Messi, filling one of the openings created by the retirement of Barcelona legends Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets at the end of the 2025 season.

Rodrigo De Paul’s Impact on MLS Cup Victory

Rodrigo De Paul played an integral role in Inter Miami’s historic MLS Cup 2025 triumph, starting all six Audi MLS Cup Playoffs matches. Most memorably, the Argentine midfielder scored the title-clinching goal against Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the final, cementing his status as a crucial component of the championship-winning squad.

His performances during the playoffs demonstrated why Inter Miami were eager to make the loan deal permanent. Rodrigo De Paul’s work rate, tactical intelligence, and ability to link midfield with attack proved essential to the team’s success, justifying the €15 million transfer fee that Atlético Madrid will receive.

Inter Miami Building Argentine Core

The permanent signing of Rodrigo De Paul strengthens Inter Miami’s Argentine contingent, creating a formidable South American core at the club. He reunites with close friend Lionel Messi, continuing a national team partnership that has yielded remarkable success on the international stage.

During the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Rodrigo De Paul earned the moniker of Messi’s “bodyguard” while helping Argentina secure their third World Cup trophy. The midfielder took on an enforcer role, providing defensive cover and shielding the legendary captain as La Albiceleste triumphed. He has also won two Copa América titles with Argentina in 2021 and 2024, boasting 83 international caps overall.

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham expressed his excitement about the permanent acquisition: “Rodrigo is a player I’ve admired for many years. As a leader he has brought so much to the teams he has played for – especially with his national team Argentina. He brings experience, passion and quality to our team and to our city. I’m excited to welcome another World Cup-winning player not just to Inter Miami, but also to MLS.”

Rodrigo De Paul’s Career Before Inter Miami

Before his move to Inter Miami, Rodrigo De Paul accumulated impressive statistics across nearly 500 professional appearances. The midfielder scored 57 goals and provided 74 assists during stints with boyhood club Racing Club in Argentina, Valencia CF, Udinese in Serie A, and Atlético Madrid in La Liga.

At Atlético Madrid, Rodrigo De Paul played 187 matches across all competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing 26 assists. However, despite his consistent performances, he never won a major club trophy during his time in Spain, making Inter Miami’s MLS Cup victory particularly sweet for the Argentine international.

The €15 million fee that Inter Miami are paying to Atlético Madrid represents excellent value for a player of Rodrigo De Paul’s caliber and international pedigree. His experience at the highest levels of European football and proven success in pressure situations make him an invaluable asset for the MLS franchise.

Strategic Timing of Transfer

Inter Miami’s decision to activate the purchase clause for Rodrigo De Paul during the winter transfer window demonstrates strategic planning by the club’s management. The permanent acquisition allows Inter Miami to build around the Argentine midfielder for the long term, providing stability and continuity as they look to defend their MLS Cup title in 2026.

Managing director Chris Henderson emphasized the club’s ambitions: “Assembling a team that inspires our fans to dream continues to be one of our primary aspirations, so we’re thrilled to sign a player of Rodrigo’s caliber. He is a winner who has conquered the world stage; his ambitions match ours at Inter Miami, and we are hungry to achieve these goals together.”

Atlético Madrid’s Perspective

For Atlético Madrid, the €15 million transfer fee provides welcome funds while resolving Rodrigo De Paul’s contract situation. The Argentine midfielder had been in a standoff regarding a contract extension with the Spanish club, with reports suggesting it was “almost impossible” for him to renew his deal at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Atlético Madrid president Enrique Cerezo had previously refused to discuss Rodrigo De Paul’s departure publicly, but the club moved swiftly to extend his contract until 2027 before sanctioning the loan move, ensuring they would receive a transfer fee rather than losing him as a free agent.

The Spanish club can now reinvest the €15 million in strengthening their squad, having already identified potential replacements in the midfield. Diego Simeone’s side signed Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra and Real Betis’ Johnny Cardoso to help fill the void left by Rodrigo De Paul’s departure.

Inter Miami’s Growing Reputation

The permanent signing of Rodrigo De Paul for €15 million further enhances Inter Miami’s reputation as a destination for elite international talent. The club has successfully positioned itself as an attractive option for world-class players, leveraging the presence of Lionel Messi and the allure of life in South Florida.

Inter Miami have made significant strides since Messi’s arrival, becoming the first MLS club to reach the FIFA Club World Cup knockout stages in 2025 and winning their first MLS Cup. The permanent acquisition of Rodrigo De Paul signals the club’s intention to maintain their position at the summit of American soccer.

As Rodrigo De Paul settles into his permanent home at Inter Miami, the €15 million investment represents not just a transfer fee but a statement of intent from a club determined to build a dynasty in Major League Soccer. With Messi and Rodrigo De Paul forming the core of a star-studded squad, Inter Miami are positioned to dominate MLS for years to come.

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