Inter Miami Locks Down Second Designated Player with Blockbuster Permanent Deal
Inter Miami have activated the permanent transfer clause in midfielder Rodrigo De Paul's agreement.
De Paul joined Miami over the summer, reuniting with close companion and national team colleague Lionel Messi through a six-month loan arrangement from Atlético Madrid—a deal that featured a permanent transfer option valued at approximately $17.6 million.
The Argentine playmaker featured in 23 matches during the latter portion of the season, recording two goals and seven assists, and he found the net in the MLS Cup championship win against Vancouver Whitecaps to help secure Miami's third title.
Miami announced their 2025 squad decisions on Thursday and confirmed De Paul's permanent signing, with MLSsoccer reporting the 31-year-old will become a Designated Player alongside Messi.
De Paul fills one of the positions left open by the departing Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, leaving one Designated Player slot still open. Despite speculation linking Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, the Herons reportedly have different intentions for that position.
Negotiations Continue With Luis Suárez
Contract extensions for Fafa Picault and William Yarbrough were rejected, while Ryan Sailor's agreement will run out and Marcelo Weigandt heads back to Boca Juniors after his loan period ends, though discussions continue regarding renewals with five additional players.
Miami aim to secure agreements for loan players Allen Obando, Rocco Ríos Novo, Baltasar Rodríguez and Tadeo Allende, and the organization also verified that veteran forward Luis Suárez continues discussions about his future plans.
Suárez, who reaches 39 in January, is in his contract's final weeks and has been connected to several teams. Miami are eager to retain the former Liverpool and Barcelona forward, who will have the ultimate decision regarding his future.
"Luis Suárez is a football legend, he represents one of the finest strikers not just of this era but throughout history," co-owner Jorge Mas stated prior to the Vancouver victory. "Luis must make his choice once the season concludes.
"Luis deserves the opportunity to make that choice and depart with dignity while receiving the recognition he merits from the organization. Should he choose to remain with the club another season, that would be wonderful. I hope to see Suárez continue.
"Naturally, discussions would then focus on how Luis Suárez would remain, and we would certainly involve [manager Javier] Mascherano and Luis, but the choice belongs to him."