Inter Miami target De Paul

Prior to the Club World Cup, reports in the Spanish press suggested that Atletico were unlikely to renew Rodrigo de Paul's contract, which expires on 30 June 2026. At the time, it was understood that the Argentine preferred to stay at the Metropolitano Stadium. However, the situation has now changed as Inter Miami have emerged as a possible destination, according to Fabrizio Romano and Matteo Moretto.

David Beckham's franchise have, as yet, only made initial enquiries, but both the midfielder and the Atletico hierarchy are open to a deal. From Atletico's perspective, it would be a better outcome to sell him now and recoup some of their investment, rather than lose him for nothing in a year's time when he would be free to negotiate a move as a free agent.

From the World Cup winner's point of view, California would be an attractive destination where he would reunite with close compatriots such as Leo Messi and Javier Mascherano, who would be his coach. Furthermore, the 'Herons' would need to have sufficient funds to offer him an attractive salary befitting his status as a regular in the major European leagues.

If Rodrigo de Paul's transfer to Inter Miami goes through, it would signal the end of his time at Atletico after four seasons, during which he played 187 matches but failed to win a trophy. He has, however, become a mainstay in Diego Simeone's plans and has continued the impressive form he showed at Udinese. His estimated transfer value is €45.7 million; the Italian side received €35 million in 2021 and perhaps Miami can negotiate a lower fee given the circumstances.