Inter Miami have opened talks with Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo de Paul, according to Fabrizio Romano.
David Beckham’s MLS franchise are keen to remain ambitious in the market, particularly in light of the fact that their season didn’t get off to the start most would have expected.
Last year’s Supporters’ Shield winners are currently sit sixth in the MLS Eastern Conference, albeit with several games in hand. They were surprisingly knocked out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup by league rivals Vancouver in the semi-finals and were recently dispatched 4-0 by PSG in the Club World Cup round of 16.
In order to augment their image as one of the most attractive clubs in North America and to ensure a good end to the campaign, Miami are now plotting a bold move for Atletico Madrid star Rodrigo de Paul.
According to Fabrizio Romano, talks are already taking place, and the Argentina international is said to be open to making the move stateside.
De Paul as Suarez replacement?
It was recently reported that Miami striker Luis Suarez will leave the club when his contract expires in December, so De Paul would be a replacement in terms of stature, but obviously not position.
However, there are some major question marks over a potential deal for the 31-year-old. As MLS transfer insider Tom Bogert points out, Miami currently have all of their Designated Player (DP) slots filled and none of those contracts can be bought down to free up space.
Suarez is not even a DP, so even if his departure were to be brought forward, that would not solve the problem for Miami. Instead, Bogert speculates that Sergio Busquets could retire.
Even then, signing De Paul would require a significant financial outlay as he is a key player for Atletico and is still under contract for another year. His Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at €18.8 million, and a fee in that ballpark would make him one of MLS’ biggest signings.
This move could, however, also be a hint – or, rather, a clear statement. Miami want Lionel Messi to extend his contract beyond December, but recent reports have suggested that Saudi giants Al-Ahli have opened talks with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Signing De Paul would be a clear sign that Messi is staying as the midfielder is a close friend of the 38-year-old. Supporters have joked that the Atleti star would be Messi’s new ‘bodyguard’ as his actual bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, is no longer allowed to be pitchside at MLS games.
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