Thiago Almada is close to leaving Atletico Madrid for Flamengo, with the Brazilian club in advanced talks over a deal worth around €27m (£22.8m).
According to Spanish newspaper AS, Flamengo have moved ahead in negotiations to sign the Argentina international this summer, and Atletico are expecting to receive a total fee in the region of €27m (€30m / $30m).
Flamengo have already reached an agreement with Almada on personal terms after Atletico granted permission for the player’s representatives to open talks with the Rio de Janeiro side.
Only the payment structure now remains to be finalised between the clubs, and this is not expected to derail the transfer.
Atletico ready to cash in after underwhelming debut season
Atletico Madrid signed Almada a year ago following a standout season at Lyon, paying €20m to acquire 50% of his rights.
However, his first campaign in La Liga did not meet the club’s expectations. As a result, Atletico began looking for an exit strategy for the 23-year-old even before the start of the World Cup, aiming to avoid a further drop in his market value.
In this context, Mateo Alemany set Almada’s asking price at the same figure Atletico had initially paid for him. Flamengo, who enjoy a strong working relationship with the Spanish club, have shown a clear willingness to go beyond that level to secure his signature.
Sources cited by AS indicate the operation is now expected to be completed for a total package close to €27m, with agreement on the method and timing of payments the final step before a deal is concluded.
Flamengo’s ambitious rebuild under Leonardo Jardim
Flamengo are determined to re-establish themselves as contenders for every major trophy and are prepared to make significant investments again in this transfer window.
After what is described as the “historic” return of Lucas Paqueta at the start of the year, the Brazilian giants have turned their focus to Almada, who is set to sign a long-term four-year contract running until 2030 once the deal is finalised.
Journalist Raisa Simplicio reports that Almada’s representatives will travel to Rio de Janeiro at the end of this week to put the finishing touches on the move and fulfil the last major request of head coach Leonardo Jardim.
Flamengo see Almada as a key piece in their squad planning for the coming seasons, as they seek to strengthen their attacking options and deepen the team’s creative resources.
If completed as expected, the transfer would mark the end of Almada’s brief spell at Atletico Madrid and signal a high-profile arrival in Brazilian football, underlining Flamengo’s intent to compete aggressively on all fronts.
