Rodrigo de Paul gave a clue than clear about his future by absent this Monday, July 21, the beginning of the preseason of the Atlético de Madrid. Although it still has a current contract with the rojiblanco club until 2026, the Argentine flyer did not appear in the training directed by Diego Simeone, feeding the versions that link it imminently to the Inter Miami.
The mattress team began its preparation for the 2025/26 season with the usual medical check -ups at the Majadahonda Sports Center, before leaving for Los Angeles de San Rafael, a town near Madrid where they perform the first part of the concentration. However, the absence of De Paul did not go unnoticed, especially considering that he is one of the referents of the campus and there is no official communication on a special permit.
From Paul, closer to Messi in the MLS
Everything indicates that the fate of the world champion would be in Major League Soccer, where he expects it Lionel Messi at Inter Miamiaccompanied by other compatriots such as Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Thiago Almada and Luis Suárez. The operation would be almost closed: there is talk of a contract for four seasons, waiting for details related to the status of franchise in the MLS.
Currently, the team led by Javier Mascherano has its three quotas of franchise players with Messi, Alba and Busquets. In order for Paul to be registered under that modality, Inter Miami must readjust the Busquets contract, as he did with Luis Suárezwho signed outside that salary limit.
What did the president of Atlético say about his departure?
Despite the rumors, the president of Atlético de Madrid, Enrique Cerezo, was cautious and preferred not to confirm the operation:
“Everything is assumptions, telling you one thing or another is to succeed or not hit. At this time we do not know,” he said in dialogue with the National Radio of Spain.
The leader’s words contrast with reports from the United States and Argentina that take for granted. Mascherano himself also chose the moderation:
“If there is the possibility of arriving, it will be welcome. But there is nothing official,” said Inter Miami coach.
A weight reinforcement for Inter Miami … And a signal for Messi?
The possible arrival of Paul to Florida would not only enhance the team in sports, but can also be key to ensuring Messi’s continuity in the club. Although the renewal of the Argentine Captain’s contract was not yet signed, everything indicates that his permanence is falling, and surrounding his friends and classmates of World Cup selection would be one more incentive.
The MLS transfers window opens on July 24 and closes on August 21, so the transfer could be officially confirmed in the next few days.
From Europe to Miami: the path of Paul
Rodrigo de Paul, emerged from Racing Club, had steps through Valencia, Udinese and Atlético Madrid, who paid 35 million euros for his signing in 2021. With the Cholo Simeone team, he was champion of the league and key piece in the midfield. However, the Inter Miami proposal represents a new personal and professional challenge, far from the European elite, but in an ambitious project that seeks to conquer the MLS Cup.
