Inter Miami reportedly agree $15M Rodrigo De Paul transfer with Atletico Madrid as Lionel Messi links up with Argentina 'bodyguard'

Rodrigo De Paul has 'verbally agreed' to swap Atletico Madrid for Inter Miami and link up with fellow Argentine Lionel Messi in a $15 million deal.

• De Paul set to join Inter Miami
• Atletico to pocket $15m fee
• Messi reunion nears

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Fabrizio Romano reports that a $15M (£13m) verbal agreement is in place between all parties, with De Paul set to join Miami on an initial loan deal that includes a purchase clause. Once that is triggered, the Argentine will be tied to a four-year contract with the MLS club.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  De Paul has cultivated a distinguished career, starring in Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph and winning multiple Copa Americas in recent years. Despite still being an important player at Atletico, the 31-year-old seems ready for a new challenge and a chance to link up with compatriot Messi in Miami. This is quite the coup for David Beckham's team.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Former Valencia and Udinese star De Paul has earned the nickname of Messi's 'Bodyguard' as he has repeatedly come to the aid of team-mate of the ex-Paris Saint-Germain man during Argentina matches. Indeed, the player himself has spoken about their almost telepathic relationship.

  In 2018, he said: "Sometimes we just look at each other and know what’s needed to reorganise the team. It makes the process more fluid."

• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  The 78-time Argentina international could even make his Miami debut alongside ex-Barcelona ace Messi later this month as the MLS team try and climb up the Eastern Conference table for the final third of the season.