Almada in Argentina, on River links: “Would I play there? I don’t know…” | OneFootball

The Atlético de Madrid midfielder arrived in the country while awaiting Argentina’s squad list for the 2026 World Cup and said he has not spoken with his agent amid rumors linking him with River.

Atlético de Madrid footballer Thiago Almada arrived in the country as he waits for coach Lionel Scaloni to announce the players called up to the Argentina national team for the 2026 World Cup and showed indifference when asked whether he would play for River.

“I don’t know, honestly,” was the brief response from the Vélez academy product when he was asked whether he would wear the Millonario shirt after reports emerged that president Stefano Di Carlo had contacted his entourage to sign him in this transfer window.

At the same time, while awaiting the call-ups, the 25-year-old midfielder stressed that his focus is on the World Cup, where he will look to repeat the title he won in Qatar, though this time he is expected to play a bigger role, and said he has not spoken with his agent about the interest from the Núñez club. “I’m focused on the national team, then we’ll see what happens,” he said in an impromptu press conference.

“Very anxious, very happy, and just waiting for the list. I thank the fans for their support, and we’re going to defend the country the way we should,” added the midfielder born in Fuerte Apache, and he sounded calm about his place among the 26: “I’m very positive and I hope to be there.”

After winning the Copa Libertadores with Botafogo and following a half-season spell at Olympique Lyon, Almada joined Atlético de Madrid as one of the major signings of the European summer transfer market. However, despite playing 40 matches, scoring four goals and providing two assists, he was only an alternative in Diego Simeone’s system. He did not surpass 40% of the available minutes in any of the four competitions the Colchonero played in and had even been deemed transferable during the January window.

In contrast, his current form with the Argentina national team has established him as a key piece for Lionel Scaloni and as one of the team’s standout players in 2025. With decisive goals against Uruguay and Colombia in the qualifiers and an outstanding performance in the rout over Brazil, the 25-year-old attacking midfielder secured a place at the next World Cup, likely with a bigger role than he had in Qatar 2022, which he made at the last minute alongside Ángel Correa due to injuries to Nicolás González and Joaquín Correa.

It is worth noting that before arriving in Brazil, Almada had been close to joining Boca, as he revealed in November last year. “I got a call from Román, who asked me, but that was as far as it went. I had already decided to go to Botafogo,” he said.

For now, River, which is coming off a loss to Belgrano in the Apertura final, is closely monitoring his situation. Although those at Núñez know the player’s intention is to change clubs, they also recognize how complex the deal would be. Even so, they will try to add another world champion to a squad that, following the agreement for Nicolás Otamendi, will have five, as it already includes Franco Armani, Gonzalo Montiel, Marcos Acuña and Germán Pezzella.

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