Thiago Almada Joins River Plate in €20 Million Transfer, Outbidding Flamengo
Midfielder Thiago Almada transfers from Atlético de Madrid to River Plate for around €20 million, surpassing Flamengo's bid and fulfilling his wish to return to Argentina.
- • Thiago Almada agreed to join River Plate for around €20 million.
- • Flamengo opted out of the bidding war for Almada despite initial interest.
- • The financial package and Almada's wish to return to Argentina influenced the transfer.
- • Almada has a decorated career including Copa Libertadores, Campeonato Brasileiro wins, and World Cup experience.
Key details
Thiago Almada has officially agreed to join River Plate from Atlético de Madrid, in a transfer deal valued at approximately €20 million (around R$ 118-120 million). The transfer concludes a competitive bidding process in which Flamengo also showed strong interest. However, Flamengo decided not to enter a bidding war, as confirmed by their football director José Boto. River Plate's superior financial offer, reportedly about five million dollars per season, alongside Almada's preference to return to Argentina for family reasons, were decisive factors in securing the midfielder's commitment.
Almada, who began his career at Vélez Sarsfield, impressed in international stints including with Major League Soccer's Atlanta United before returning to South America to play for Botafogo. At Botafogo, he was a key player in winning the Copa Libertadores and Campeonato Brasileiro. He was also part of Argentina's 2022 FIFA World Cup-winning squad and has participated in the ongoing 2026 World Cup campaigns.
According to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, who confirmed the deal, all terms have been settled, with Almada expected to interrupt his vacation in Ibiza to complete medical exams and sign his contract with River Plate soon. This move underlines both River Plate's financial muscle and Almada's desire to return home, ending the contest favoring the Argentine club over Flamengo.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
