Argentine playmaker Thiago Almada is set to remain in Europe after officially rejecting a return to South American football. Despite strong interest from Brazilian giants Palmeiras, the Atletico Madrid midfielder has prioritized his European career to ensure a spot in Argentina’s squad for the upcoming World Cup.
The Galatasaray Project According to Foot Mercato’s Santi Aouna, Galatasaray has now emerged as the frontrunner for Almada’s signature. The Turkish powerhouse is reportedly preparing a formal offer to Atletico Madrid, convinced that their project offers the consistent playing time Almada desperately needs.
While Palmeiras and Flamengo were keen on bringing the former Botafogo star back to Brazil, Almada informed Atletico’s management that his intention is to stay in a top European league.
Atletico Madrid’s Stance: No Loans Diego Simeone has reportedly made it clear that Almada is not in his immediate plans at the Metropolitano. However, the Atletico board is not interested in a simple loan deal. The Spanish club is prioritizing a permanent transfer to balance their books, a condition that recently saw Benfica withdraw from negotiations.
A Quiet Window for Juventus? Rumors had previously linked Almada with Luciano Spalletti’s Juventus, but no concrete bid has materialized from Turin. With the January deadline approaching, Galatasaray appears to be the only club ready to meet Atletico’s demands for a permanent sale.
The 24-year-old, who remains an idol at Botafogo after his successful stint in Brazil, now looks destined for Istanbul as he seeks to revitalize his career under the bright lights of the RAMS Park.
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
