# Atletico Madrid Secure Thiago Almada in €40M Deal: Simeone Lands Dynamic Argentine Playmaker

URL: https://technosports.co.in/atletico-madrid-secure-thiago-almada-40m-deal/  
Published: 2025-07-16  
Updated: 2025-07-16  
Author: Ankush Mallick

[Atletico Madrid](https://en.atleticodemadrid.com/) have officially agreed a deal to sign **Argentine playmaker Thiago Almada**, completing one of their most strategic summer moves yet. The transfer, confirmed by renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, will see the 24-year-old join **Diego Simeone’s squad** in a deal worth around €40 million.

![Atletico Madrid Secure Thiago Almada in €40M Deal](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Thiago-Almada-1-819x1024.webp)

With **Almada’s arrival**, the La Liga giants are making a bold statement—not just for the upcoming season, but for their long-term attacking identity.

## A Deal in the Making: Almada’s Long-Awaited La Liga Move

After weeks of back-and-forth negotiations, Atletico will pay an initial **€20 million for 50% of Almada’s economic rights**, with further payments expected down the line. The player is currently owned by **Botafogo**, but spent the latter half of the **2024-25 season on loan at Olympique Lyon**, impressing with his creative flair and versatility.

![Thiago almada](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Thiago-Almada-4-994x1024.webp)

Lyon were eager to keep Almada permanently, but financial constraints blocked a potential deal. **Benfica** and **Zenit St. Petersburg** also showed interest, but Almada’s desire to play under compatriot **Diego Simeone** proved decisive. *“Almada only wanted Atletico Madrid. It was a clear priority for him,”* reported Fabrizio Romano.

## Shared Roots and Shared Agents: The Simeone Connection

Beyond footballing ambitions, the move was aided by personal connections. Almada shares an agent with **Angel Correa**, which helped smooth the transition to the **Wanda Metropolitano**.

Atletico’s **Director of Football, Carlos Bucero**, sees Almada not just as a tactical reinforcement, but a valuable long-term investment. *“**We believe Almada can develop into one of the best playmakers in Europe. His profile fits our football, and the financial structure of the deal makes sense for us**,”* Bucero reportedly said.

## Role at Atletico Madrid: Griezmann’s Successor in Waiting?

With **Antoine Griezmann** entering the twilight of his career and **Angel Correa** potentially moving on, Almada’s arrival could not be more timely. He is expected to play **behind the striker or out wide**, forming a potent attacking trident alongside **Julian Alvarez** and **Giuliano Simeone**.

![Thiago almada](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Thiago-Almada-819x1024.avif)

Almada has already earned **10 caps and 4 goals** for the Argentine national team, often linking up effectively with Alvarez. His style—creative, direct, and instinctively offensive—mirrors what Griezmann brought to Atletico in his prime. *“His flair and attacking instinct are exactly what we need,”* said a source close to the club.

## Atletico’s South American Core Grows Stronger

Almada joins a growing group of **South American stars** at Atletico Madrid, including **Nahuel Molina**, **Julian Alvarez**, and **Giuliano Simeone**. Even if **Rodrigo De Paul** exits this summer, Simeone’s team will continue to have a strong Argentine spine.

Meanwhile, the club isn’t done in the transfer market. Atletico are reportedly eyeing **Cristian Romero** of Tottenham as another key target—especially if De Paul departs.

## Summer So Far: Almada Joins Baena & Ruggeri

Almada becomes **Atletico’s third signing** of the summer, following **Alejandro Baena** and **Matteo Ruggeri**. All three represent smart, forward-thinking acquisitions for a club keen to compete on all fronts in 2025-26.

![Álex baena](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Alex-Baena-819x1024.webp)
*Álex Baena*

Whether starting or coming off the bench, Almada is expected to make a significant impact from day one.

Read More: [Manchester United’s Outcasts Told to Train After 5PM as Rashford, Garnacho & Others Await Transfer Clarity](https://technosports.co.in/manchester-uniteds-outcasts-to-train-after-5pm/)

## FAQs

### **What position does Thiago Almada play?**

Almada is an attacking midfielder who can also play as a winger. He typically operates behind the striker.

### **How much did Atletico Madrid pay for Almada?**

Atletico paid an initial €20 million for 50% of his rights, with the total deal expected to rise to €40 million.

### Where did Almada play before joining Atletico Madrid?

He was owned by Botafogo and spent the 2024-25 season on loan at Olympique Lyon.

### Why did Almada choose Atletico Madrid?

Almada wanted to work under fellow Argentine Diego Simeone, which played a key role in his decision.

### Who else was interested in signing Almada?

Benfica, Zenit St. Petersburg, and Olympique Lyon all showed interest, but none matched Atletico’s offer or appeal.