Atletico Madrid Transfer Round-Up: Rodrigo De Paul Exit Looms, Inter Miami Twist and Big Names Linked
The summer transfer window is open, and Atletico Madrid are wasting no time. After another season without silverware and a short-lived Club World Cup campaign, Cholo Simeone is looking to reshape his squad and finally put together a team that can challenge for titles again.
In short, the Metropolitano is buzzing.
New Faces (Some Old, Some New)
Let’s start with the arrivals, because Atlético have already made a few key moves. Clement Lenglet and Juan Musso have signed permanent deals after their loan stints last season. Nothing flashy, but solid, familiar reinforcements.
Then there’s Matteo Ruggeri and Álex Baena. These two were announced right after the Club World Cup exit and bring fresh energy to a squad that clearly needs it. But the shopping isn’t over yet. Rumors suggest Atlético could make a move for Cuti Romero. And if the stars align, they might even go all in for Viktor Gyökeres. That would be a statement signing.
The Exit Queue
While new players are on their way in, a good number are packing their bags. Reinildo, César Azpilicueta and Axel Witsel all left after their contracts expired on July 1. Rodrigo Riquelme has already joined Real Betis. Meanwhile, Nahuel Molina, Samu Lino and Alexander Sorloth are also being discussed as possible departures.
But the biggest name in the rumor mill is Rodrigo de Paul.
De Paul: Extend or Exit?
This is where things get tricky. De Paul’s contract runs until June 2026. That means if he doesn’t renew this summer, Atlético run the risk of losing him for free next year.
Naturally, the club would rather sell him now than see him walk away for nothing. They’re hoping for around 15 to 20 million euros if no new deal is agreed.
Simeone is reportedly against letting him go. But unless De Paul signs a new contract, the club’s hands might be tied.
Inter Miami Enters the Chat
De Paul’s name has also been linked with a move to Inter Miami. The idea of reuniting with Lionel Messi has fans buzzing, but there’s a twist.
Major League Soccer rules allow each team to have three Designated Players whose wages don’t count against the salary cap. At Inter Miami, those three are Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.
So if De Paul were to join, someone would have to make way. Most likely, that would be Busquets. Unless he accepts a significant pay cut or finds a new club, De Paul’s move to MLS could stall before it starts.
What Happens Next?
Atlético need to sell before they can buy more. De Paul’s future is a key part of that equation. The club still wants to strengthen, and big moves like Cuti Romero or Viktor Gyökeres could still happen. But first, they need to clear the decks.
And as for Inter Miami, never count them out. If Messi wants De Paul in pink, they’ll try to find a way.
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