Rodrigo De Paul joins Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, But why is he not a Designated Player at the Club?

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Rodrigo De Paul is poised to join Inter Miami from Atlético Madrid, marking a significant addition to the Major League Soccer (MLS) club.

The transfer is expected to begin as a loan deal for the remainder of the 2025 season, with an option for Inter Miami to secure De Paul permanently via a four-year contract starting in 2026.

Rodrigo De Paul to join Inter Miami

The agreement between Atletico Madrid and Inter Miami is structured as a loan, featuring a purchase obligation valued at approximately €15 million.

If the move is made permanent, the player will sign a four-year contract that would position him among the most high-profile signings in MLS history. But at the moment, the Argentine has not signed as a designated player.

What is a Designated Player in MLS?

In Major League Soccer (MLS), a Designated Player (DP) is a player whose salary exceeds the league's individual salary cap charge but is allowed under the Designated Player Rule, often called the "Beckham Rule" since it was created to enable LA Galaxy to sign David Beckham in 2007.

Each MLS team can have up to three DPs, whose salaries and transfer fees exceed the cap, but only a set portion (around $335,000) counts against the team's salary budget. This rule allows MLS clubs to attract high-profile international stars without breaching salary budget limits and promotes league competitiveness and marketability

Why is Rodrigo De Paul not a Designated Player?

De Paul will initially not occupy a Designated Player (DP) slot, as these slots are currently filled by Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets. However, with certain DP contracts approaching expiration, there is potential for De Paul to assume a DP role in future seasons.

Rodrigo De Paul's salary at Inter Miami for the 2025 season is reported to be approximately $800,000, covered by Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) due to Major League Soccer's salary cap rules.

This move reunites De Paul with Lionel Messi, his longstanding teammate and Argentina compatriot. Having played together for the Argentina national team, the duo's partnership was instrumental during Argentina's successful campaigns at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Copa America. Their reunion at Inter Miami is anticipated to bolster the team's midfield strength and elevate its competitive prospects.

With the MLS secondary transfer window approaching, De Paul is expected to join Inter Miami promptly, foregoing Atlético Madrid's preseason preparations. He has reportedly agreed to personal terms and is slated to make his debut in upcoming competitions, including the Leagues Cup.

He has made a significant impact since joining Atletico Madrid in 2021, amassing 187 appearances for the Spanish club, where he scored 14 goals. The 31-year-old has played 78 times for Los Albicelestes and has been an instrumental part of the team in recent years.