Olympique Lyonnais surprised everyone by announcing a first winter reinforcement. Despite the restrictions imposed by the DNCG, the Rhone club managed to attract a renowned foreign player to strengthen its squad. This recruitment demonstrates the ambition of the Lyon leaders, determined to relaunch their team in this delicate season.
A world champion arrives at OL
It’s official: Thiago Almada, 23-year-old Argentinian international and world champion, is on free loan from Botafogo until the end of the season. The attacking midfielder joins the Lyon ranks thanks to a clever arrangement authorized by the DNCG, Botafogo also belonging to the Eagle group led by John Textor.
Almada, a reinforcement of choice for OL
Thiago Almada is not an unknown name. Trained at Vélez Sarsfield in Argentina, he shone with his creativity and talent before joining Atlanta United in MLS, then Botafogo in Brazil. His final season was marked by a resounding double, winning the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian championship. With his 6 caps and 2 goals for the national team, he has already proven that he has the potential to play at the highest level.
This transfer is a godsend for OL, who must juggle sporting ambition and financial constraints. The integration of a world champion, already experienced but still young, will allow Pierre Sage to intensify the competition within his group. Almada will notably find his compatriot Nicolás Tagliafico, another world champion, to support him in his European debut.
Hope for Lyon supporters
Highly anticipated by fans, Almada is seen as a breath of fresh air in a complicated season. With his talent and his ability to energize the attack, he embodies hope for renewal for the club. He will wear the number 23, symbol of his ambitions. Time will tell if this bold bet will bear fruit.
