Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul is getting closer to joining the ambitious Inter Miami project, where his compatriot Lionel Messi awaits. According to international media reports and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, a verbal agreement is already in place between all parties to finalize the move from Atlético de Madrid to the MLS side.

The deal is expected to be completed for a fee of around €15 million, and the World Cup winner with Argentina would sign a four-year contract. Although some final details are still pending, the transfer appears to be only days away from being finalized.

De Paul Misses Atlético’s Preseason Training

While the final paperwork is being completed, Rodrigo De Paul was notably absent from Atlético de Madrid’s first preseason training session. Saúl Ñíguez, Clement Lenglet, and Johnny Cardoso—the latter still awaiting integration with the group—were also missing. In contrast, Diego Simeone had three of his new signings available: Álex Baena, Matteo Ruggeri, and Thiago Almada.

During the session held in Los Ángeles de San Rafael, the Argentine coach organized a training match where the new arrivals were paired with key players such as Koke, Llorente, and Julián Álvarez, aiming to start shaping Atlético’s revamped tactical structure.

Center-back José María Giménez, still recovering from a muscle injury sustained during the Club World Cup, only participated in the initial drills and was later rested as a precaution.

Cerezo: “Nothing is Confirmed Yet”

Despite the reports suggesting the transfer is a done deal, Atlético president Enrique Cerezo downplayed the situation. Speaking to Radio Nacional de España, he stated that "everything is just speculation" for now and that no official announcement has been made regarding De Paul’s departure. "We don’t know what will happen with him," he said.

Cerezo also reaffirmed his confidence in Diego Simeone, who is entering his fifteenth season as head coach, and expressed his ambition to “fight for everything” in what promises to be a demanding campaign both domestically and internationally. He also emphasized the need to review the football calendar due to the overload of matches players are facing.

If everything proceeds as expected, Rodrigo De Paul will soon become the latest addition to an Inter Miami side determined to keep growing by signing world-renowned talent.