At the start of the year, Olympique Lyonnais treated themselves to the big deal Thiago Almada. Recognized in the American continent for fruitful experiences in Argentina and the United States, the 2022 world champion was loaned to Lyon by Botafogo. Faced with the constraints of the DNCG, the Rhone club obtained the free loan of the Argentine player after negotiations led by John Textor with himself. Supposed to take over from Rayan Cherki following the planned departure of the Lyon crack star in the summer of 2025, Almada will ultimately not have made any old bones between Rhône and Saône. Author of two goals and five assists in twenty matches in France, the Argentinian did not stay beyond his loan against a backdrop of problems with the DNCG and the ousting of John Textor.
In this sense, Thiago Almada returned to Botafogo. Initially quoted by Benfica, the 24-year-old attacking midfielder finally joined Atlético de Madrid. Recruited for 21 million euros, the pocket leader had great ambitions after this enormous step forward in his career: “we all know that it is one of the biggest clubs (…) It was my dream to play here, and I managed to make it come true. I have a lot of affection for the club, its history, I have a lot of friends who watched the matches, and when I had the opportunity to come, I didn’t hesitate for a single second. Now I have to show everything.» And after a gentle start, Almada is showing very good things.
Thiago Almada finds his rhythm with Atlético de Madrid
Established from the start, the Argentinian international (11 caps, 4 goals) quickly became essential in Diego Simeone’s system. Capable of playing behind the striker, the new number 11 of Matelassiers was mainly aligned on the left wing. Complementary with his attacking friends, he nevertheless paid for his team’s poor start to the season and a muscle injury which kept him away from the field for more than a month. Back during the October international break, Thiago Almada has transformed himself. Clearly on the upward slope and starting to digest this first big transfer in his career, the right-hander has started to really convince. Instantly back in the eleven, Almada scored the winning goal against Osasuna in his first match since his injury (1-0).
Against Sevilla in the last championship match, the former Velez Sarsfield player scored a goal and provided an assist. Promising beginnings which allowed him to be praised in Spain. Our colleague Ivan Vargas de Fichajes also praises the Argentinian: “he plays very well when he has playing time. His injury slowed his progress, but he adapted very well. He forms a good duo with Julian and Baena, like in the first match against Espanyol, but he and Giuliano are also very coordinated. A very good acquisition for Atlético.» You will have understood, Thiago Almada is getting everyone to agree in Spain with Atlético de Madrid.
