Atlanta United made headlines with the completion of the transfer of midfielder Thiago Almada to Brazilian top-flight side Botafogo, setting an MLS-record fee. While the exact monetary figure was not disclosed by the club, reports suggest a potential sum of up to $30 million based on certain conditions being met.
The 5-foot-7 Argentine midfielder is set to depart Brazil in the upcoming winter transfer window. Botafogo, under the ownership of Eagle Football Holdings, which also controls Lyon in France's Ligue 1 and Crystal Palace in England's Premier League, is expected to be a stepping stone for Almada before a potential move to Lyon in January.
Almada, now 23, was initially brought to Atlanta United in February 2022 for a reported $16 million from Velez Sarsfield in Argentina. His time with the club saw him achieve significant success, including winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina and earning accolades such as MLS Newcomer of the Year in 2022 and MLS Young Player in the following year.
Carlos Bocanegra, Atlanta's vice president and technical director, expressed pride in Almada's development and success, attributing it to the club's scouting department and coaching staff. With Almada's departure, Atlanta United is poised to reinvest in the team during the upcoming summer transfer window.
In addition to Almada's transfer, Atlanta United also finalized the sale of Giorgos Giakoumakis to Liga MX side Cruz Azul for a reported $10 million. These moves provide the club with financial flexibility to bolster the squad during the secondary transfer window from July 18 to August 14.
Currently sitting in ninth place in the MLS Eastern Conference with a record of 6-9-6 and 24 points, Atlanta United is gearing up to face Real Salt Lake in one of their remaining four matches before a month-long hiatus for the Olympics.
