Thiago Almada has signed a contract with Atlético Madrid that will keep him at the Spanish club until 2030. The Argentine playmaker joins from Botafogo in a complicated deal worth €21 million for just 50% of his rights, ending a transfer saga that saw him bounce between multiple clubs within the same ownership group.
"For me, my main idol was always Riquelme," Almada revealed in an interview earlier this year, explaining the inspiration behind his playing style.
The 24-year-old's path to Madrid has been anything but straightforward. Originally sold by Atlanta United to John Textor's Eagle Group in July 2024 for up to €27 million, Almada briefly joined Lyon in January 2025. However, severe financial problems at the French club – reportedly facing debts of around €175 million – forced a leadership change that saw Textor removed as president. Unable to make Almada's transfer permanent, Lyon sent him back to Botafogo.
Atlético Madrid has been tracking the 2022 World Cup winner for some time, having previously attempted to sign him while he was still playing in Major League Soccer. Interestingly, the deal makes Almada the second most expensive player in MLS history with an overall transfer fee of €24.15 million, with Atlanta potentially receiving additional add-ons if he's sold by Atlético.
What are the Spanish giants getting for their investment? A classic number 10 with an old-school playmaker style and an incredible shot from distance. Almada joins Álex Baena and Johnny Cardoso as Atlético's third midfield reinforcement ahead of the 2025/26 season. Can this Argentine talent live up to the Riquelme comparisons in La Liga?
