Flamengo Close to Securing €27M Deal for Atletico Madrid Midfielder Thiago Almada

Flamengo are closing in on a major transfer coup as negotiations with Atlético Madrid for Argentine international Thiago Almada enter their final stages. The Brazilian giant has already reached a full agreement on personal terms with the midfielder, setting the stage for a four-year contract through 2030.

Direct talks between the clubs have progressed rapidly after Atlético authorized Flamengo to contact Almada’s representatives directly. While an initial valuation was set at €20 million by sporting director Mateo Alemany, strong bidding from Rio de Janeiro has pushed the total financial package close to €27 million ($30 million). The primary remaining negotiation point involves the specific payment schedule and structured installments.

Almada’s scheduled exit comes just twelve months after arriving in the Spanish capital from French club Lyon, who had sold 50 percent of his federative rights for €20 million. Despite landing in La Liga with high expectations following standout performances in Ligue 1, the playmaker struggled to establish himself as a consistent starter in Diego Simeone’s demanding tactical system, which heavily prioritizes defensive work rate and rigid positional discipline.

Recognizing the risk of declining market value, the Spanish side listed Almada among their sellable assets ahead of the summer transfer window. Generating funds through player sales remains a key priority for Atlético as they restructure their squad for the upcoming campaign.

For Flamengo, bringing in the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner aligns with an ambitious summer spending strategy guided by head coach Leonardo Jardim. The Rio-based club previously made headlines by securing the high-profile return of Lucas Paquetá, signaling an aggressive push to dominate domestic and continental competitions. The prospective €27 million deal underscores the expanding financial power of Brazilian Serie A clubs compared to traditional South American market norms.

Representatives for Almada are scheduled to travel to Rio de Janeiro by the end of the week to finalize the remaining administrative framework. Barring any unexpected disruption during payment discussions, both clubs are expected to formalize the deal shortly thereafter.