Atlanta player Thiago Almada completes MLS record transfer to Botafogo

Thiago Almada has completed his record-breaking MLS transfer from Atlanta United to Brazilian side Botafago.

The Athletic The club announced earlier this week that Atlanta would receive $21 million for Almada, with the deal potentially rising to $30 million if additional payment conditions are met. The 23-year-old has signed a contract through June 2029 with Botafogo.

Almada joined Atlanta from his native Argentina’s Velez Sarsfield for a reported $16 million in 2022. He won the MLS Newcomer of the Year award and also became the first player to win the World Cup as an active MLS player later that year.

“We spent over a year recruiting Thiago to join Atlanta United and during that process we agreed that our club could provide an excellent platform to showcase his abilities and that he would have the opportunity to continue his development until the time was right for him to move on to the next challenge,” said Atlanta Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra.

“We are proud of what Thiago has achieved in such a short space of time, including his debut with the Argentina national team, his victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and his two individual MLS awards: Rookie of the Year and Young Player of the Year. His success is something we are all proud of and we owe a lot of credit to our scouting department, in addition to everyone who has worked with him at the club. Our team has been prepared for this move and we will look to immediately reinvest in the team in the upcoming summer transfer window.”

(Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)

Almada leaves Atlanta after scoring 24 goals in 81 games. The attacking midfielder was left off Lionel Scaloni’s list for the Copa America currently underway in the United States, but he was named in Javier Mascherano’s squad for the Paris Olympics later this summer.

Botafogo, meanwhile, is owned by Eagle Football Holdings, which also owns Ligue 1 club Lyon and has a stake in Premier League side Crystal Palace, as well as RWD Molenbeek of Belgium.

What this means for Thiago Almada

Linked to Manchester City and Marseille since his teenage years, Almada needed to join MLS in order to establish himself in Europe. He will have to be patient and play at least six months in Brazil, after which Eagle Football has promised him a transfer to Lyon. Almada will eventually achieve his dream of playing in Europe, but his journey will serve as an example for future MLS recruits.

Almada may not have publicly pushed for a move away from Atlanta, but his desire to leave the club was evident. He has spoken often about his desire to play in Europe, even suggesting that a move to Argentinian powerhouse Boca Juniors would be another dream come true. There is nothing wrong with being ambitious, Almada certainly is. However, when promises are made early in the recruiting process, impatience can build. Almada handled the situation well and is now free to leave MLS.

What this means for Atlanta United

Almada’s transfer will mark the beginning of a new high-profile transfer strategy at the club. CEO and Chairman Garth Lagerwey has said that experienced players are preferred targets over inexperienced young professionals. I expect Atlanta United to opt for a more experienced attacking midfielder to replace Almada.

The young Argentinian will be remembered as one of the most talented players Atlanta has ever signed. But he failed to connect with the community beyond game days. His stay always seemed temporary. Lagerwey needs to start recruiting players who want to stay in Atlanta and engaging with a fan base that is desperate to reconnect with the club.

Finally, Atlanta United are also looking for a new center forward to replace Giorgos Giakoumakis, who was sold to Cruz Azul last June. Change is well and truly underway at Atlanta United.

(Juan Carlos Hernandez/AFP via Getty Images)