Thiago Almada Joins Atlético Madrid in €40 Million Deal Amid Financial Disputes

July 16, 2025 – Argentine midfielder Thiago Almada has officially transferred to Atlético Madrid from Botafogo, with the LaLiga club securing a deal valued at up to €40 million. The agreement, finalized on July 15, includes Atlético purchasing a 50% stake in the player for €21 million, with the total valuation reflecting potential add-ons, according to ESPN. Almada, 24, signed a contract until 2030, pending medical approval, marking a significant career milestone after his standout 2022 World Cup win and a loan spell at Lyon, where he scored three goals in 16 Ligue 1 appearances.

The transfer comes amid ongoing financial tensions. Botafogo owes Atlanta United $21 million plus interest following a FIFA ruling in June 2025 over Almada’s earlier move, though an appeal remains unresolved. Atlanta retains a sell-on clause, potentially benefiting from future transactions. This move aligns with Atlético’s strategy under coach Diego Simeone, who may lose midfielder Rodrigo De Paul to Inter Miami, with fee negotiations ongoing. Almada’s arrival signals a reshuffling of Argentine talent in LaLiga, while the financial intricacies highlight challenges in multi-club ownership models, such as John Textor’s Eagle Football Holdings, which oversees both Botafogo and Lyon.