Atlético Madrid have confirmed an agreement with River Plate regarding the transfer of Thiago Almada for €20m. Following a brief stay in Madrid, where Almada struggled with injuries and game time, the decision has been made for him to return to Argentina, where he will reunite with former teammate Ángel Correa.
This transfer was reported by Football España, and while River Plate has long expressed interest in Almada, other clubs like Flamengo were also circling. His exit aligns with Atlético’s ongoing pursuits, particularly their desire to strengthen the defence.
Almada’s Journey at Atlético Madrid
Thiago Almada began the current season as a first-choice player under Diego Simeone but faced challenges due to a muscle injury that sidelined him for five weeks. Although he contributed an assist in the Copa del Rey final, Almada’s overall impact was limited during his tenure at Atlético.
The Financial Breakdown of Almada’s Transfer
River Plate has agreed to pay €20m for Almada’s complete federative rights. As part of this arrangement, Atlético will receive €10m from their share, with another €10m going to Lyon. Furthermore, Atlético retained a real €40m buy-back clause, valid until December 2027, allowing them the option to bring him back should circumstances change.
Impact on Atlético’s Wage Structure
The transfer of Almada, in conjunction with Nahuel Molina’s anticipated move to Roma and Matteo Ruggeri’s potential deal with Aston Villa, is projected to clear approximately €14m from Atlético’s wage expenses. This financial relief is crucial as Atlético seeks to accommodate the salary demands of their top defensive target, Cristian Romero.
Atlético’s Pursuit of Cristian Romero
Reports from Marca indicate that Atlético Madrid have placed a first offer of €30m for Tottenham’s Cristian Romero, with readiness to increase to €40m in response to competition from Inter Milan, who have also shown serious interest in the player. Romero’s preference leans towards Spain, heightening the stakes for Atlético’s negotiations.
The SportiveNews view
Almada’s departure opens up critical wage space, which Atlético must leverage to strengthen their defensive line. The successful conclusion of Almada’s transfer will hinge on whether Atlético can finalise outgoing business in a timely manner. Their ambitions rest heavily on securing Romero amidst competitive interest from other clubs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the structure of Thiago Almada’s transfer?
River Plate is purchasing Thiago Almada for a total of €20m, which includes payment for 100% of his federative rights. Atlético will receive €10m from their share, while Lyon will receive the same amount based on their previous contractual involvement.
How does Almada’s transfer affect Atlético Madrid’s finances?
The move is expected to clear around €14m in gross salary from Atlético’s wage bill, further complicating their financial landscape as they pursue Cristian Romero. The financial implications are closely tied to other pending transfers, including those of Molina and Ruggeri.
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