RIO DE JANEIRO, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Former Spain international midfielder Saul arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday ahead of an expected move to Flamengo.

The 30-year-old signed autographs and posed for photos with dozens of Flamengo fans at the city's international airport but did not speak to the media.

Local press reported that he has agreed to a three-year deal with Flamengo after terminating his contract with Atletico Madrid, which had been due to run until June 2026.

The agreement is expected to be officially announced on Wednesday following a routine medical.

Capped 19 times for Spain, Saul made 427 appearances for Atletico after graduating from the club's youth academy in 2012. He spent last season on loan at Sevilla, playing 26 games, scoring once and providing six assists.

He also had loan spells at Rayo Vallecano in 2013-14 and Chelsea in 2021-22.

The transfer will reunite Saul with Flamengo manager and former Atletico teammate Filipe Luis, who reportedly led efforts to bring the Spaniard to Brazil.

Flamengo is second in Brazil's 20-team Serie A and will face Internacional in the last 16 of the Copa Libertadores in August. ■