Rodrigo De Paul already has one foot out of Atlético de Madrid and his future is clearly pointing toward the United States. The Argentine midfielder has given the green light to leave for Inter Miami, where Leo Messi is waiting for him. The deal is advanced and from Metropolitano they're already looking for a replacement to avoid losing competitive level.
Diego Pablo Simeone hasn't taken long to react after learning of his starting midfielder's decision. The Argentine coach has demanded immediate reinforcements for his midfield, opting for young, physical profiles with a strong work ethic. According to sources close to the club, he has identified two footballers as the top targets.
Simeone wants him | @simeone
Simeone moves in silence
Simeone's idea isn't to make high-profile signings or risky bets abroad. His plan is to take advantage of Barça's economic context and tempt with a deal that benefits both sides. The Argentine believes he can convince Deco if a consolidated Atlético player is offered in exchange.
The name on the table is Rodrigo De Paul, who could be used as a bargaining chip. Although he has offers in other leagues, Simeone prefers to use him as leverage to strengthen the team with young talent. The offer has been communicated informally, but with a concrete proposal that's generating debate at Camp Nou.
Atlético is proposing a direct swap, thus avoiding the payment of a large sum of money. In addition, it's willing to include a performance-based clause that could raise the total value of the deal. Everything will depend on whether Barça agrees to open the door to two footballers who are currently part of the club's future.
Simeone believes these players can adapt perfectly to Atlético's pace, intensity, and style. He thinks they'll make an immediate leap and provide balance to a team that's set to lose several key players this summer. That's why he insists it's a unique opportunity that can't be missed.
Atlético de Madrid | @atleticodemadrid
Deco and Flick analyze the proposal
At Barça, the proposal has been received with caution. Both Deco and Hansi Flick value the footballers involved very highly, but they're not ruling anything out if the offer is interesting. The club's financial situation forces them to listen to all alternatives, even if it's not the desired one.
Internally, talks have begun to assess the sporting and financial consequences of the deal. It's not ruled out that one of the two players could leave if he doesn't have guaranteed minutes. However, the technical management prefers to wait for the closure of other deals before making a decision.
Fermín López wants to play more | @FCBarcelona
According to El Nacional.cat, the two players in question are Fermín López and Marc Casadó. Both trained at La Masia, with present and future in the first team, and with a growing role in Flick's plans. Simeone wants them as direct heirs to Rodrigo De Paul, and he's willing to let the Argentine go if that guarantees him two strategic additions to his squad.
Fermín is one of the revelations of the season and Casadó, despite not having as much prominence, is liked for his tactical maturity. Barça, for now, refuses to negotiate… but Atlético's persistence promises to be a major talking point this summer.
