Atletico Madrid announced on Tuesday that it has reached an agreement with Botafogo on the transfer of Thiago Almada. The player will go to Madrid for a medical examination and then sign a contract until June 30, 2030.

Botafogo's total valuation of Almada is 40 million euros, and Atletico will purchase 50% of its ownership for 21 million euros plus 5 million floating fees. If Atletico fails to sell Almada within three years, it must pay Botafogo 10 million euros to purchase the remaining 50% of its ownership.

The 24-year-old Almada mainly plays as a front midfielder, but can also play as a left winger, right winger, left midfielder, etc. He came from the youth training of Sarsfield and made his professional debut in the Argentine Primera Division on August 11, 2018.

In February 2022, Almada transferred to Atlanta United for $16 million. Only half a year later, he was selected for the Argentina national team for his outstanding performance at the club level and won the World Cup held in Qatar that year with the team.

In July 2024, Almada joined Lyon's sister club Botafogo for 19.5 million euros. So far, he has played 26 times for Botafogo, scored 3 goals and provided 2 assists, and won the Brazilian championship and the Copa Libertadores with the team.

Almada was also loaned to Lyon by Botafogo for half a season, during which he made 20 appearances, contributed 2 goals and 5 assists. He was very close to being bought out by Lyon this summer, but the latter was forced to put him up for sale due to financial constraints.

With his excellent performance and relatively low price, Almada has successfully attracted the attention of many clubs. He once had smooth negotiations with Benfica, but chose to reach an agreement with Atletico Madrid after Atletico Madrid intervened strongly. According to Portuguese media Record, Benfica is willing to pay Botafogo 26 million euros to purchase 60% of Almada's ownership.