The transfer market promises to be busy at Atlético Madrid. The summer transfer window opened a week ago and a lot can still happen. The club wants to sign several important players to strengthen Cholo Simeone’s squad so that it can once again fight for titles after several years of failing to win trophies.
Among the names that could leave the Metropolitano before the close is Rodrigo de Paul. Atlético Madrid has already officially announced the arrival of several players. Clement Lenglet and Juan Musso, who were on loan at the Rojiblancos last season, have become permanent signings.
After being eliminated from the Club World Cup, to counteract the disappointment, they have already announced the signings of Matteo Ruggeri and Álex Baena, but there are still several players to come. One of them could be Cuti Romero, and there is even speculation about a high-profile signing such as Viktor Gyökeres.
While waiting for these signings to be finalized, the Metropolitano offices are also working on departures. Reinildo Mandava, César Azpilicueta, and Axel Witsel left the club on July 1 after their contracts expired, while Rodrigo Riquelme was transferred to Real Betis. There are more names being mentioned as possible departures, including Nahuel Molina, Samu Lino, and Alexander Sorloth. In addition, various reports suggest that there could be another departure in midfield, with Rodrigo de Paul and Conor Gallagher among the players who could be on their way out.
De Paul or Gallagher
In the case of Rodrigo de Paul, the Argentine midfielder and 2022 World Cup winner with the Albiceleste, there is a problem. The player’s contract expires on June 30, 2026, so if he does not renew this summer, he will leave on a free transfer in a year’s time. Obviously, Atlético Madrid is not keen on the idea of losing a 31-year-old player without receiving any money, so if he does not extend his contract with the Colchoneros, he would be one of the players sold. Cholo Simeone is not in favor of this departure, but it would be the only way for the Rojiblancos to bring in around €15 or €20 million.
🚨💣ÚLTIMA HORA: Si sale Conor Gallagher o Rodrigo de Paul, el Atlético de Madrid irá a por Javi Guerra.
[🏅: @rubenuria vía @RadioTaronja_,@eldesmarque] pic.twitter.com/Oz1omfvbwi
— Objetivo.atletico (@Objetivoatleti) July 7, 2025
On the other side of the equation is Conor Gallagher. The English international arrived at the Metropolitano last summer from Chelsea and has failed to establish himself in Cholo Simeone’s starting eleven. The Englishman has shown his grit and intensity, but has not found consistency. Whether it is because he has played out wide or has not had enough minutes, his name appears as one of the candidates to leave the club if an offer that convinces the Colchonero leadership arrives.
Busquets, sacrificed?
As reported by journalist Verónica Brunati, Rodrigo de Paul and Inter Miami have been in negotiations for several weeks and the Argentine midfielder’s agent is reportedly in talks with Atlético to facilitate his departure. His arrival in Florida would be an attempt to retain Leo Messi, who has yet to renew his contract with David Beckham’s team. It should be remembered that the two are close friends and a reunion would be welcomed by both players.
Las negociaciones entre Inter Miami y Rodrigo De Paul comenzaron hace una semana. Uno de sus agentes, Agustin Giménez está en España negociando la salida con Atlético de Madrid.
El fichaje de Rodrigo es parte de la estrategia para seducir a Lionel Messi con permanecer en Inter…— Veronica Brunati (@verobrunati) July 7, 2025
The big problem with Rodrigo de Paul’s arrival at Inter Miami would be that Sergio Busquets could leave the club. In MLS, teams are allowed to have three franchise players whose salaries do not count toward the salary cap. One of them is Leo Messi, another is the recently renewed Jordi Alba, and the third is the former Barcelona midfielder. This means that he would have to take a considerable pay cut or find a new club if he wants to remain active.