Leeds fans react as Atletico Madrid complete signing of Rodrigo De Paul

By Will Butcher

For Leeds fans, the pursuit of Rodrigo De Paul is over. Dating back from last summer, the Yorkshire club have been strongly linked with Copa America winner De Paul. But ultimately, Udinese wanted too much money for the midfielder. Now, De Paul has joined Atletico – Leeds fans have responded.

De Paul, 27, has been in spectacular form over the last 12 months. Having a hand in 20 goals for Udinese from midfield in Serie A last term, he took his stunning form into Copa America. It was his long-range pass that found the run of Angel Di Maria to chip Ederson as Argentina beat Brazil in the final.

Just days after the final, Diego Simeone’s Atletico made it public that De Paul had joined the La Liga winners. Goal report that a fee is £30million, but will also include add-ons. De Paul is said to have signed a five-year contract with the Spanish club. But it could have been oh so very different.

What are Leeds fans saying about De Paul joining Atletico?

De Paul was strongly linked with Leeds last summer, but even Victor Orta told the Yorkshire Evening Post that Udinese priced Leeds out of a move. That is, even after De Paul had replied to the Square Ball on Twitter – saying “Yes” when asked if he is keen. But his game has gone up a level since.

Now, he has been able to attract the attention of Atletico and he is easily deserving of such a big move. Nevertheless, seeing De Paul choose Atletico over a move to Leeds is clearly too much for some – who were desperate to see him under Marcelo Bielsa. Leeds fans responded.

In other Leeds news aside from fans reacting to De Paul joining Atletico, the Whites have been told how much Matheus Cunha will cost.