It’s official: Rodrigo de Paul, the dynamic Argentine midfielder, is packing his bags. He’s leaving Atlético de Madrid, where he’s played since 2021. His new home? Sunny Miami, where he’ll join his national team captain, Lionel Messi, and several other familiar faces at Inter Miami.
The Spanish club made the news public today. In a short statement, simply titled “Thank you, De Paul,” Atlético shared the update. “De Paul finishes his journey with the Madrid club after four seasons,” the note read. “He says goodbye to Atlético de Madrid and will continue his professional career at Inter Miami.” It’s a bittersweet farewell for many fans.
De Paul, now 31, still had one year left on his contract with Atlético. During his time in the Spanish capital, he was a workhorse. He appeared in 187 official games, finding the net 14 times. This move means he’s stepping away from European football. It comes less than a year before the 2026 World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. De Paul will surely aim to help Argentina defend their 2022 title on that big stage.
Interestingly, De Paul arrives in Miami without having won a single trophy under coach Diego Simeone at Atlético. Despite that, this transfer is making headlines for another reason. It’s reportedly one of the most expensive moves ever in the North American league (MLS). Reports in the press suggest the total cost could be around 15 million euros. That’s a lot of money changing hands for a player eager for a fresh start.
At Inter Miami, De Paul won’t feel out of place for long. He’ll find many fellow Argentines already there. The biggest name, of course, is Lionel Messi, who is the undisputed star of the North American team. It seems De Paul is trading the European grind for a new adventure, surrounded by his countrymen, under the bright lights of American football. He’s looking to write a new chapter, perhaps with a trophy or two this time around.