Napoli have entered the race to sign Thiago Almada, opening talks with Atlético de Madrid to bring the Argentine attacking midfielder to Serie A. Despite strong interest from Brazilian clubs, the player is expected to remain in European football at least until 2026.
According to information from YSscore, the Italian club is negotiating a six-month loan deal, which would include a purchase option set at €25 million at the end of the agreement.
Napoli Seeks Loan Deal With Purchase Option
Napoli’s proposal is seen as strategically attractive, offering the club flexibility while assessing Almada’s adaptation to Italian football. The €25 million buy option is slightly higher than the amount Atlético de Madrid paid to sign the player from Botafogo, reflecting his market value and recent achievements.
Negotiations are still at an early stage, and no final agreement has been reached so far. However, Napoli’s interest is concrete, with the club actively exploring ways to strengthen its attacking midfield.
Limited Role at Atlético de Madrid Opens Door for Exit
Thiago Almada’s possible departure comes amid limited playing time at Atlético de Madrid. Since joining the Spanish side, the Argentine has struggled to secure a regular place in Diego Simeone’s starting lineup.
According to reports, Simeone is not fully satisfied with Almada’s performances, and the midfielder has remained a rotational option rather than a consistent starter. Internally, Atlético believes a transfer could help rebalance the squad and create room for new reinforcements.
As a result, Almada has reportedly been placed on the club’s transfer list, increasing interest from both European and South American teams.
Palmeiras, Grêmio, and Cruzeiro Monitor Situation
While Napoli push to keep Almada in Europe, Brazilian clubs Palmeiras, Grêmio, and Cruzeiro are also closely monitoring the player’s situation. His success with Botafogo—where he won both the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian Championship in 2024—continues to boost his reputation in South America.
Despite this interest, the current expectation is that Almada prefers to continue his career in Europe, with Napoli emerging as one of the most serious contenders for his signature.
Conte Sees Almada as Key Creative Option
Napoli head coach Antonio Conte reportedly views Almada as a valuable addition to his squad, particularly to enhance creativity and attacking options in Serie A. Talks are expected to continue in the coming weeks as the Italian club evaluates its next move in the transfer market.
