Benfica handed fresh hope, dream of landing Thiago Almada | OneFootball

Thiago Almada does not want to return to South America. Despite Palmeiras' interest, the Argentine international intends to stay in Europe. This is news that may greatly please Benfica, as Abel Ferreira's team was one of the main contenders in the race for the Atlético Madrid player.

The Argentine international was a summer dream not realized by Benfica. Negotiations with the agent John Textor, owner of Botafogo, did not bear fruit, after the club had convinced Thiago Almada, in an effort that lasted months. Atlético Madrid, with other financial arguments, ended up seducing the player and closing the transfer.

In Spain, it was reported that the deal was between 20 to 25 million euros for the entirety of the economic rights, while in Brazil, values around 20 million for 50% of the rights were mentioned, with the obligation for Atlético to acquire the remaining 50% for 15 million if the player is not transferred by 2028.

Despite all these reports, Benfica, through an official source, denied being interested in Thiago Almada. It remains to be seen if, given this decision by the attacking midfielder, the Eagles might consider negotiating the athlete - who aims to be in the 2026 World Cup - and offer a significant reinforcement to Mourinho.

This season, wearing the Atlético de Madrid jersey, Thiago Almada — valued at 20 million euros — played 16 games: 11 in La Liga, three in the Champions League, and two in the Copa del Rey. In the 619 minutes he was on the field, the midfielder scored two goals and made one assist.

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