Inter Miami have enjoyed a relatively strong showing in the FIFA Club World Cup, but their recent 3-0 loss to FC Cincinnati exposed a vulnerable roster that continues to rely heavily on the brilliance of Lionel Messi. As the team navigates through internal changes, speculation is ramping up following the confirmed departure of one player and growing reports linking Rodrigo De Paul with a potential move to South Florida.
Inter Miami CF announced today that defender David Martinez has officially left the club following the conclusion of his one-year loan from Club Atlético River Plate. Martinez joined Inter Miami in July 2024 during the midseason window and made an immediate impact.
Most notably, he was part of the squad that captured the 2024 Supporters’ Shield with a record-setting 74 points—securing the club’s second title in its young history. In total, Martinez appeared in 21 matches across all competitions, tallying two goals and one assist.
Even Argentina U-23 head coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged Martinez’s imminent return to his home country. “An agreement was not reached to extend his loan, so he will return to Argentina this Thursday,” Mascherano said in a recent press conference. The defender’s departure had already been anticipated, and now attention turns to the possibility of Inter Miami landing World Cup winner Rodrigo De Paul.
Could De Paul be the next big-name signing for Inter Miami?
Reports out of Spain and Argentina suggest the deal is already in advanced stages, with the 31-year-old midfielder unlikely to begin preseason with Diego Simeone’s squad at Atletico Madrid. Only minor details remain before an official announcement is made—an announcement that would surely generate major headlines.
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De Paul and Inter Miami are reportedly finalizing the final terms of what is expected to be a four-year contract, running through mid-2029. The transfer fee is estimated to fall between €10 and €15 million, according to ESPN.
As of Thursday morning, neither De Paul nor the clubs involved had issued any public statements regarding the deal. However, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reported the operation is approximately 85 percent complete, indicating an agreement is close.
Mascherano on De Paul
Mascherano was also asked about De Paul during a media session earlier this week. The former Racing Club midfielder joined Atletico Madrid in July 2021 and has since played 187 matches and scored 14 goals. He remains a crucial figure for Argentina’s national soccer team and is under contract with Atletico until June 2026.
Despite being pressed, Mascherano avoided making direct comments about De Paul’s future. However, he did leave the door open, stating, “Good players are always of interest to us,” hinting at admiration for the midfielder without confirming any specific intentions.
