Atlético Madrid Signs Thiago Almada Amidst Rodrigo De Paul Transfer Speculations
Atlético Madrid has finalized an agreement with Botafogo to acquire Thiago Almada, as announced by the club on Tuesday. The transfer is now contingent upon Almada passing a medical examination and signing his contract.
Reports from ESPN indicate that Almada, a World Cup champion with Argentina in 2022, has consented to join the Rojiblancos this summer. The transfer fee, likely between €15 million and €20 million ($17.5 million to $23 million), is nearing an agreement.
Atlético shifted their focus to Almada after Ángel Correa’s departure to Tigres UANL in Mexico’s Liga MX earlier this month.
Almada, who has a contract with Botafogo until June 2029, played last season on loan at Lyon, where he made 16 appearances in Ligue 1. His ability to function as a central midfielder or winger makes him an appealing acquisition for Atlético.
The former Atlanta United player set an outgoing transfer record in MLS when he joined Botafogo for around $21 million in July.
Almada’s signing could align with the potential exit of Atlético midfielder Rodrigo De Paul to Inter Miami. Sources have indicated to ESPN that De Paul’s transfer will depend on the agreement of a fee between the two clubs, as the player has already expressed his desire to move.
At 31 years old, De Paul has one year remaining on his contract but has not signed an extension with Atlético. The club aims to avoid losing him for free in June 2026 and is willing to sell him this summer. If De Paul leaves, Atlético will seek to sign a replacement with similar skills.
Recent reports have suggested that one of the potential replacements for De Paul is Javi Guerra from Valencia, who was close to joining Atlético last summer. Another option is Richard Ríos from Palmeiras, but his high transfer cost may make this option less viable.
