MADRID, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- River Plate has signed Argentina international Thiago Almada from Atletico Madrid for 20 million euros (23 million U.S. dollars), securing 50 percent of the attacking midfielder's rights.
The move brings Almada back to Argentine football after a difficult one-season spell in Spain, where he made 40 first-team appearances for Atletico, scoring four goals and providing two assists. Most of those appearances came as a substitute as he struggled to establish himself in Diego Simeone's lineup.
Almada joined Atletico last summer from Lyon after emerging as one of Argentina's most promising attacking midfielders. The 25-year-old arrived in Madrid as a World Cup winner, having been part of Argentina's squad for the 2022 tournament, but he was unable to secure a regular role at the club.
The arrival of Ademola Lookman in January further limited Almada's opportunities, with the Nigeria international adding competition for attacking positions. Despite his reduced club playing time, Almada remained in Argentina's squad for this summer's World Cup finals.
Atletico confirmed the transfer on Saturday, bringing an end to Almada's brief stay at the club.
Almada returns to Argentine football after a rapid rise through the Americas. He began his career at Velez Sarsfield before joining Atlanta United in Major League Soccer in 2022, where he became one of the league's standout young players.
In July 2024, Brazilian club Botafogo signed him for a reported 21 million dollars, in a deal that set MLS and Brazilian transfer records, before he moved to Lyon in January 2025. ■
