Atlético Madrid Secure Thiago Almada: A Creative Injection to Simeone’s Engine

Atlético Madrid confirmed their signing of Argentine star Thiago Almada from Botafogo on July 16, 2025, signing the 24-year-old on a five-year deal for approximately €21–25 million, with Botafogo retaining future sell-on rights.

🔹 The Signing: Structure & Strategic Importance

Atlético officially announced the agreement pending medical and contract finalization. Spanish outlets confirmed the fee is around €21 million for 50% of Almada’s rights, with undisclosed clauses to purchase further shares in future seasons. His arrival followed the summer exits of Ángel Correa (to Tigres), increasing Atlético’s need for creative forward options.

🔹 Player Profile: Premise and Potential

A former MLS Young Player of the Year, Almada enjoyed standout campaigns at Atlanta United and Botafogo. In MLS, he tallied 30 goal involvements in 2023, and in Brazil, he played pivotal roles in winning the Serie A and Copa Libertadores in 2024 before his loan move to Lyon. Versatile, technically gifted, and capable across midfield or the flanks, Almada adds a fresh creative dimension to Diego Simeone’s traditionally structured style.

🔹 Tactical Fit & Role at Atlético

Under Simeone’s disciplined management, Atlético rarely showcase attacking fluidity. Almada’s profile suggests a shift in that direction: able to play as secondary striker (in a 4–4–1–1), traditional number ten, or drifting wide to link with players like Julián Álvarez and Antoine Griezmann. Reports note he may directly replace Correa in style and position, offering more vertical movement in the bottom half of midfield.

🔹 Atlético’s Broader Reinforcements

Almada joins a summer of strategic acquisitions—Álex Baena and Matteo Ruggeri were signed earlier, and Johnny Cardoso may follow in midfield reinforcement efforts. While the focus remains heavily front-loaded, Atlético are still exploring central defensive reinforcements amid earlier talks surrounding potential Romero signing falling through.

🔹 What This Means for Atlético

For Atlético, Almada signifies a delicate pivot: retaining the gritty Simeone DNA, while slowly adding flair to challenge Real Madrid and Barcelona. At a reported value of around €21–25 million, it’s an astute investment in long-term creative potential, as Atlético aims for domestic resurgence and deeper Champions League runs.

🔹 Expectations & Challenges

Almada takes on immediate first-team responsibilities. His ability to adapt to La Liga intensity, and positional versatility could allow Atlético to unlock tougher fixtures. However, team chemistry and tactical integration remain unknowns. A failure to adjust quickly could risk disrupting Simeone’s structure.

🔹 Fan & Media Reactions

Atlético fans welcomed the news enthusiastically. Spanish media framed Almada as a “Correa replacement” and a modern midfield element designed to refresh a sometimes predictable frontline. Analysts emphasised his world-class technique, vision, and capacity for unexpected breakthroughs—something Atlético lacked in recent seasons.