Thiago Almada Completes Dream Move to Atlético Madrid in €40m Deal
Atlético Madrid has secured the signature of Argentine World Cup winner Thiago Almada (24), finalizing a complex agreement with Eagle Football Holdings that ends a weeks-long transfer saga. The deal, confirmed by Fabrizio Romano and multiple sources, sees Almada become Diego Simeone’s latest attacking weapon after a swift but intense negotiation .
🔍 Deal Structure & Financial Breakdown
- Valuation & Terms: Atlético acquires a significant percentage of Almada’s rights for a total package valuing the player at €40 million. While exact figures remain undisclosed, reports indicate Atlético paid €20–21 million for 50% of his rights, with Botafogo (Eagle Football) retaining the other half .
- Eagle’s Windfall: The proceeds will flow into Eagle Football’s "single cash box," aiding Botafogo’s operational costs, including bonuses and infrastructure .
- Timeline: Talks accelerated after Ángel Correa’s departure to Tigres UANL, with Atlético bypassing Benfica’s €28 million offer by meeting Eagle’s valuation and Almada’s personal terms .
🤝 Simeone’s Personal Touch
Almada’s move materialized after manager Diego Simeone made repeated direct appeals to the midfielder, emphasizing Atlético’s Argentine core (Julián Álvarez, Rodrigo De Paul, Nahuel Molina). This personal intervention trumped Benfica’s Champions League lure . Agent Agustín Jiménez’s strong ties to Atlético’s hierarchy further smoothed negotiations .
⚽ Tactical Fit & Role
- Versatility: Almada excels centrally or on the wing, offering creativity (2 goals, 5 assists in 20 games for Lyon) and dribbling flair akin to Correa .
- De Paul Replacement: His arrival coincides with Rodrigo De Paul’s expected exit to Inter Miami. Atlético will still target a like-for-like midfielder (e.g., Valencia’s Javi Guerra) .
- System Synergy: Simeone views Almada as a "young Correa" whose individual brilliance can unlock defenses in Atlético’s transition-heavy system .
💥 Beating the Competition
Benfica had verbal agreement with Almada but refused to exceed €28 million. Lyon’s financial pressure (post-relegation appeal) and Botafogo’s €40 million demand made Atlético’s bid irresistible. Nottingham Forest and Zenit also pursued the player .
🌍 Eagle Football’s Masterstroke
John Textor’s multi-club network (Botafogo, Lyon, Crystal Palace) enabled Almada’s seamless transition:
- Botafogo acquired him from Atlanta United for $21m (2023).
- Lyon leveraged a loan (16 Ligue 1 apps) to showcase his talent.
- Atlético’s purchase injects liquidity into Eagle’s ecosystem .
🔮 What’s Next?
- Almada will undergo medical tests and sign a 5-year contract until 2030 .
- He joins Atlético’s youth-focused rebuild alongside Alex Baena (23) and Johnny Cardoso (23) .
- For Argentina, the move solidifies his case for 2026 World Cup inclusion after recent standout performances .
💬 The Bottom Line
Almada’s transfer epitomizes Atlético’s market agility: pouncing when rivals stall, leveraging relationships, and investing in high-upside talent. As Simeone reshapes his attack, Almada’s blend of World Cup pedigree and tactical flexibility could make him the steal of the summer .
Stay tuned for Almada’s unveiling at the Metropolitano this week. 🏟️🇦🇷