The 23-year-old player netted 24 goals and assisted in 34 more across 81 matches for Atlanta.
WASHINGTON:
Argentine midfielder Thiago Almada completed a transfer from MLS club Atlanta United to Botafogo in Brazil on Saturday, with reports indicating a total deal worth $30 million. The move is expected to eventually see him join France’s Olympique Lyonnais, owned by the John Textor-led Eagle Football Holdings group.
Atlanta United confirmed the transfer, noting Almada’s impending journey to Lyon in 2025, as reported by ESPN and The Athletic. The 23-year-old, who played a key role in Argentina’s 2022 Qatar World Cup triumph, initially joined Atlanta United in February 2022 for a reported MLS record fee of $16 million from Vélez Sarsfield.
“We pursued Thiago’s acquisition for over a year, believing Atlanta United would provide an excellent platform for showcasing his talent and supporting his continued development until he was ready for his next challenge,” stated Atlanta United’s technical director Carlos Bocanegra.
Almada earned accolades such as MLS Newcomer of the Year in 2022 and was selected for the 2023 MLS All-Star team during his tenure with Atlanta United.
“Our club has anticipated this transition and is prepared to reinvest in the team during the upcoming summer transfer window,” added Bocanegra.
Almada leaves Atlanta United after scoring 24 goals and contributing 34 assists in 81 matches. The team currently holds a record of 6 wins, 9 losses, and 6 draws, accumulating 24 points in the Eastern Conference.
