Thiago Almada to wear red and white? Benfica target nears €20m move | OneFootball

Thiago Almada had already been on Benfica’s radar before moving to Atlético de Madrid. In the summer 2025 transfer window, the Eagles closely monitored the midfielder’s situation, but ultimately lost the race to Los Colchoneros. Now, the midfielder could indeed wear red and white.

According to the newspaper Olé, River Plate have taken an important step toward securing the signing of Thiago Almada, after reaching a verbal agreement with Atlético de Madrid for the purchase of 50% of the Argentine international’s economic rights for 20 million euros.

Despite the understanding between the clubs, the deal still depends on the 25-year-old player’s decision. Almada intends to decide his future only after Argentina’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, although River have already presented a long-term contract offer and remain optimistic about the outcome of the negotiations.

If the transfer goes through, Thiago Almada will become one of the standout signings of this transfer window, in an operation that has led River Plate to put negotiations for Ángel Correa and Giovanni Simeone on hold while awaiting the Argentine midfielder’s final response. The winger could become a teammate of Nicolás Otamendi at "Los Millionarios".

In 2025/26, playing for Atlético de Madrid, Thiago Almada - valued at 15 million euros - featured in 40 matches: 27 in La Liga, seven in the Champions League, five in the Copa del Rey, and one in the Super Cup. In the 1,705 minutes he was on the pitch, he scored four goals and provided two assists.

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