Thiago Almada leaves Atlanta United in surprise move to Botafogo

Football is a global passion and player transfers are like pieces of a big puzzle, where every move can change the course of the game. And that’s exactly what happened when Atlanta United announced the sale of midfielder Thiago Almada to Botafogo, from the Brazilian top division, for a record fee in MLS. The move not only shook up the North American market, but also raised the expectations of fans in Brazil and Europe.

One of Argentina’s breakout players at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Thiago Almada arrived at Atlanta United in February 2022. At the time, his $16 million transfer from Vélez Sarsfield was already an MLS record. Almada, with his electrifying style of play, quickly won the hearts of Atlanta fans, tallying 23 goals and 33 assists in 77 regular season games. His playmaking ability and vision made him one of the most exciting players to watch in the league.

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But as is often the case in the world of football, Almada’s talent has not gone unnoticed. He will now wear the Alvinegra jersey of Botafogo, in a transfer that surpasses the transactions of Alphonso Davies, who left for Bayern Munich, and Miguel Almirón, who left for Newcastle United. This transfer not only reinforces the importance of the MLS as a talent pool, but also places Botafogo in a privileged position on the Brazilian scene. According to some international media, the transfer of Thiago Almada to Botafogo would bring in around 25 million dollars.

But the story doesn’t end there. Almada, just 23, is reportedly set to take a major step forward in his career by joining Lyon next winter. The French club is part of the Eagle Football Holdings group, led by John Textor, which also owns stakes in Crystal Palace and Botafogo. This network of clubs provides Almada with a global platform to showcase his talent, while continuing his development in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.

Carlos Bocanegra, Vice President and Technical Director of Atlanta United, highlighted the importance of the move for the player and the club: “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 skills 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.” Almada has been a key part of Atlanta’s success, receiving awards such as MLS Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2022 and MLS Young Player of the Year in 2023. His contribution to the team has been invaluable, and his departure leaves a legacy that will be difficult to overcome, even more so in the immediate future.

At international level, Almada has also proven himself. With one goal in four appearances for the Argentina national team, he helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar alongside Lionel Messi. He will now captain the Albiceleste at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, a testament to his talent and leadership on the pitch.

For Atlanta United, Almada’s departure represents a challenge, but also an opportunity. With the recent transfer of Giorgos Giakoumakis to Cruz Azul of Liga MX for $10 million, the club now has significant financial room to reinvest in the team in the upcoming summer transfer window. Bocanegra has already made it clear that the scouting department is prepared for this change and that the search for new talent will be intense.

Interim coach Rob Valentino, who took over after the departure of Gonzalo Pineda, will be tasked with guiding Atlanta United through this new phase. With the club currently sitting ninth in the Eastern Conference, the pressure to deliver is high. However, the arrival of new reinforcements and the continued development of current players are crucial steps to keep Atlanta United competitive in MLS.

For Botafogo, Almada’s arrival is a masterstroke. The Brazilian club, already on the rise, now has a world-class player to lead their midfield. Fans can expect more dynamic and creative football, with Almada bringing all his experience and talent to the team. And with the prospect of a future move to Lyon, Botafogo will also benefit financially and in terms of global exposure.

This transfer is a perfect example of how interconnected modern football is. Young players like Thiago Almada have the opportunity to develop in different leagues and countries, raising the level of the game around the world. For clubs, these transfers represent both a challenge and an opportunity for growth and innovation.