Despite Flamengo offer, Thiago Almada joins River Plate, says Romano | OneFootball

Thiago Almada leaves Atlético de Madrid (ESP) after one year

On the radar of Flamengo and River Plate (ARG), Thiago Almada has decided the next step in his career. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the midfielder has reached a verbal agreement with the Buenos Aires club.

According to the Italian journalist, only the final formalities remain for the deal to be completed and made official by the clubs. The transfer was agreed at around 20 million euros (approximately R$128 million), according to the Argentine newspaper ‘Marca’.

Developed at Vélez Sarsfield (ARG), the player also had spells at Atlanta United (USA), Botafogo, Lyon (FRA), and was most recently at Atlético de Madrid, where he had been playing since July 2025. Recently, the player represented Argentina at the World Cup, featuring in five of the tournament’s eight matches.

WAS FLAMENGO CLOSE TO SIGNING ALMADA?

Almada was already in talks with River Plate when Flamengo’s board decided to enter the race. The red-and-black club relied on its good relationship with Atlético de Madrid and offered bank guarantees that pleased the Spanish side.

However, at first, the midfielder’s wish was to remain in Europe. But after failing to stand out at the World Cup, Almada did not attract interest from any major club in Europe.

As a result, the backup plan became a return to South America. According to reporting by Coluna do Fla, the player’s wife was against the possibility of living in Brazil, especially considering the midfielder had already spent around six months at Botafogo in 2024.

WHAT NOW, FLAMENGO?

Flamengo’s board continues to be active in the transfer market and has until September 11 to register new players. However, if the Rio club wants to bring in reinforcements for the Libertadores round of 16, the deadline is extremely tight: only until this Friday (07), at 6 p.m. (Brasília time). In other words, 72 hours before the start of the knockout stage of the continental tournament.

IS ANY PLAYER CURRENTLY ON FLAMENGO’S RADAR?

At the moment, Flamengo is keen to sign Luiz Henrique, who currently plays for Zenit (RUS). Recently, the red-and-black club’s football director, José Boto, was spotted in a meeting with the forward’s agent.

Unlike Thiago Almada, Luiz Henrique is inclined to accept a deal with the Rio club. However, the board still needs to reach an agreement with Zenit’s executives to finalize the winger’s signing.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.