Atletico Madrid Enter the Chat for Benfica Target Thiago Almada
The Thiago Almada transfer saga just added another twist and this time, it’s Atletico Madrid sliding into the DMs.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Atletico are officially after Thiago Almada
According to Fabrizio Romano, Atletico are officially sniffing around the Lyon midfielder, who’s been making waves ever since arriving in France on loan from Botafogo earlier this year.
🚨🔴⚪️ EXCL: Atlético Madrid have made contact today to be informed on Thiago Almada as possibility for this summer.
Atléti are informed on deal conditions as initial contacts took place; decision up to the club.
Follows Benfica in direct talks for Almada earlier this week. pic.twitter.com/v0x810wJxo
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 12, 2025
Almada, just 24, quietly pieced together a solid campaign for Lyon, notching 2 goals and 5 assists across all comps. His performances helped the French side secure a Europa League spot and more importantly, helped them stay in Ligue 1 after their appeal to avoid relegation actually worked.
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But Lyon aren’t the only ones eyeing a longer relationship. Benfica have already thrown €28 million on the table and got the green light from the player. Champions League football and a starring role in Lisbon? Tempting stuff.
Enter Atletico Madrid.
No official bid yet, but contact has been made. They’re doing the usual transfer dance, gauging his availability, checking the price tag, sorting the wage demands. You know the drill. Almada could be swayed by the Argentine-heavy environment at Atleti, with Giuliano Simeone, Julian Alvarez, Rodrigo De Paul, Nahuel Molina and of course, boss man Diego Simeone all repping the Albiceleste.
It also helps that De Paul himself looks Miami-bound, with MLS side Inter Miami reportedly finalizing a deal. Almada, once touted as the next big thing in Atlanta, could be the natural heir to De Paul’s role in midfield, creative, fiery, and very much on the rise.
For now, Benfica remain in pole position, with Champions League football as their main selling point. But if Atletico pull the trigger, this could turn into one of those classic last-minute tug-of-war transfers.
Meanwhile, Atleti have already ticked off four signings this summer: Alex Baena, Matteo Ruggeri, Juan Musso and Clement Lenglet. Almada would add flair and depth, especially with the club also eyeing new firepower up front.
Watch this space. The Almada domino is wobbling, the only question is, which way will it fall?
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