Samu Lino could return to Atlético Madrid as part of Almada talks | OneFootball

According to La Colina De Nervion, Atlético Madrid are negotiating Thiago Almada’s exit to Flamengo, and Samu Lino has re-emerged as a possible makeweight that could bring him back to Madrid.

No final agreement has been confirmed, with discussions covering Almada’s price, payment schedule and the transfer structure.

Almada joined on 17 July 2025 from Botafogo, signing until 30 June 2030. To register him, Atlético had to free one of three non-EU slots, which happened on 30 July when Lino’s move to Flamengo was made official. That departure ended the Brazilian’s two seasons in the first team.

A year on, the same clubs are back at the table with roles reversed. Flamengo have advanced talks with Atlético and the player’s camp, and Almada has responded positively to their project. Published figures put a potential deal at around €27-28 million, not official and dependent on fixed sums, bonuses and structure.

Almada, 25, is under contract until 2030. In his first LaLiga season he played 27 matches, 16 as a starter, totalling 1,312 minutes and scoring three goals. He can operate as an attacking midfielder or as a winger on either flank.

Lino knows the Metropolitano, Simeone’s methods and the side’s defensive demands. He featured mainly as a left winger or wing-back, though his speed also allows him to play on the right. Signed in 2022 from Gil Vicente, he spent 2022/23 on loan at Valencia, then made 93 Atlético appearances, scoring 12 and assisting 16.

Including Lino would reshape the deal, potentially reducing Flamengo’s cash outlay while giving Atlético an immediate left-sided option. A cash-only sale would give the recruitment team more scope to seek a different profile. Any resolution hinges on two factors, final terms for Almada and whether Lino is included, otherwise his return remains only a possibility.

Source: La Colina De Nervion