Thiago Almada prioritizes the Argentine national team and talks about a transfer to River Plate

Midfielder Thiago Almada responded indifferently when asked about the possibility of transferring to River Plate. “To be honest, I don’t know,” said the Atlético player from Madrid during an impromptu press conference, after arriving in the country awaiting the announcement of the call-up for Copa from Mundo in 2026 by coach Lionel Scaloni.

The laconic response came shortly after revelations that the president of River, Stefano Di Carlo, had contacted the player’s representatives about a possible signing in this transfer window. Almada, 25, made it clear that he has not had direct conversations with his agent about the matter.

Foco integral in the Argentine national team

The attacking midfielder emphasized that his current priority is being called up for the 2026 Mundial. “I’m focused on the selection; we’ll see what happens after that,” he said during the press conference. Almada showed optimism about his inclusion in the 26-man squad, highlighting his confidence in a guaranteed place.

“Very anxious, very happy, already waiting for the list. Agradeço to the fans for their support and we will defend the country as it should be defended”, he added. The player born in Fuerte Apache reinforced that he hopes to repeat the title won in Catar, now with an even more relevant role in the team.

Desempenho split between Atlético and selection

Almada has played 40 games this season for Madrid’s Atlético, but has put up modest numbers under Diego Simeone. Marcou 4 goals and distributed 2 assists, without exceeding 40% of the minutes played in any of the 4 competitions the club competed in. Sua’s participation was limited, even being included on the transfer list during the January window.

Apesar’s supporting performance at the Spanish club, his form for Argentina cemented his position as a key player for Scaloni. The striker scored decisive goals against Uruguai and Colômbia in the Eliminatórias and was highlighted in the rout over Brasil, guaranteeing his presence in the next Mundial with expectations of greater protagonism.

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Trajetória recent player

Antes from reaching Atlético from Madrid as one of the summer’s top signings, Almada conquered Copa Libertadores with Botafogo and a half-season stint with Olympique Lyonnais. No Catar 2022, was called up at the last minute after injuries to Nicolás González and Joaquín Correa.

The player also revealed last November that he was close to Boca Juniors. “I received a call from Román, who asked me about it, but nothing came of it. Eu had already decided to go to Botafogo”, he clarified on that occasion.

Interesse from River Plate in reinforcements

River Plate, still recovering from Apertura’s final loss to Belgrano, is closely monitoring Almada’s situation. The club recognizes the complexity of a possible transfer, but is trying to reinforce the squad with names with international experience.

Após the recent signing of Nicolás Otamendi, the team is looking to add more world champions to its squad. Atualmente, River has 5 three-time Copa and Mundo champions in its squad:

• Franco Armani
• Gonzalo Montiel
• Marcos Acuña
• Germán Pezzella
• Nicolás Otamendi (recent signing)

The arrival of Almada would represent a significant reinforcement, but the player remains committed to Argentina and the dispute for Copa in 2026, leaving his future in local football open.