Cruzeiro probed Atlético of Madrid for Thiago Almada. The 25-year-old Argentine attacking midfielder is experiencing few opportunities at Espanha and is expected to leave the club after Copa of Mundo in 2026. Raposa is looking for reinforcements for the second half of the year and sees the player as a qualified option for midfield.
Information has been circulating behind the scenes since the last few days. The Minas Gerais club wants to understand the financial conditions and the athlete’s real interest in returning to Brazilian football. Thiago Almada played prominently for Botafogo in 2024. Ele knows coach Artur Jorge, which could have a positive impact on a possible negotiation.
Atlético of Madrid opens ports for exit
Atlético of Madrid put Thiago Almada on the market. The Argentine lost space with Diego Simeone and has played little this season. Relatos indicate that the Spanish club accepts to hear proposals for around 20 million euros for 50% of the economic rights.
The value represents a high investment by Brazilian football standards. Mesmo So, Cruzeiro studies the business. Pedrinho BH, responsible for SAF, plans heavy reinforcements to fight for titles. The midfielder will compete in the Mundial of Seleções with Argentina and must return to the Spanish club until the end of the competition.
Thiago Almada arrived at Atlético from Madrid in July 2025. Ele left Botafogo after a good run. The Argentine has accumulated experience in MLS, at França through Lyon and now at La Liga. Apesar’s resume, competition on Simeone’s team limited his appearances.
Relação with Artur Jorge can lead the way
Thiago Almada’s transition to Botafogo in 2024 created important ties. Artur Jorge was in charge of the team at the time and praised the midfielder’s performance on several occasions. The good relationship between them appears as an asset for Cruzeiro.
The Portuguese coach is currently in charge of Raposa. Sua’s opinion about the player can influence the board. Almada adapted well to the Brazilian style of play and contributed goals and assists in national and international competitions.
- Thiago Almada appeared in 26 games for Botafogo in 2024
- Marcou three goals and provided decisive assists in Libertadores
- Construiu quick rapport with the black and white cast
- Recebeu public praise of Artur Jorge after debut
- Saiu to Lyon on loan before going to Atlético from Madrid
History facilitates tactical understanding. Cruzeiro needs creative options in the middle for the rest of the season. Almada brings versatility: he plays as a midfielder, winger or second striker.
Concorrência strong in the market
Outros clubs monitor Thiago Almada’s situation. River Plate appears as the main interested party in Argentina. Flamengo and Palmeiras have also been mentioned in recent speculation, although without official confirmation of formal proposals.
Portugal’s Benfica showed interest in January. Outros European teams follow the scene. Cruzeiro enters the fray with the challenge of overcoming larger rivals financially. Raposa relies on the player’s desire to return to Brasil and rediscover the familiar environment.
The mid-year transfer window is still a long way off. Mesmo like this, the clubs start talking. The Atlético of Madrid should not make it difficult to exit if the requested value is met. Thiago Almada has a contract until 2030 with the Spanish team.
Technical Perfil and adaptation to Brasil
Thiago Almada was born on April 26, 2001. Ele excelled at Vélez Sarsfield before moving to MLS. The midfielder has been called up to the Argentine national team and was world champion in 2022, albeit with limited minutes.
No Botafogo, showed ability in short dribbling, vision of the game and mid-range shots. The style matches South American football. The adaptation to Brasil has already been tested and approved. Isso reduces risks for Cruzeiro in case of contracting.
The player is 1.71m tall and has good mobility. Ele contributes to both creation and recomposition. Esses attributes interest Artur Jorge, who values participative midfielders.
SAF Investimento and Cruzeiro planning
Cruzeiro’s SAF, led by Pedrinho BH, plans relevant investments. The club is already looking for big names for the second semester. Thiago Almada fits the profile of a young player, with European experience and potential for growth.
The board analyzes the salary impact and the total cost of the operation. The 20 million euros for half of the rights represents a challenge, but fits within the projected budget. Cruzeiro has also made progress on other market fronts recently.
The team from Minas Gerais competes for important positions in the Campeonato Brasileiro. Reforços in midfield can make a difference in knockout competitions. The fans follow the movements with expectation.
Detalhes from Thiago Almada’s career
The Argentine started his professional career at Vélez. Depois, went through Atlanta United, Botafogo, Lyon and now Atlético from Madrid. Ele has more than 240 career games and 56 goals. The numbers show regularity.
Sua’s most notable passage in Brasil was through Botafogo. The team went far in the Libertadores with contributions from the midfielder. The black and white fans have good memories. Agora, Cruzeiro tries to bring that talent back.
Artur Jorge played a central role in adapting Almada in 2024. The two worked together for months. Essa connection can speed up conversations and make things easier.
Cruzeiro remains cautious. The initial survey serves to map the terrain. More concrete Negociações depends on developments in the coming weeks. Atlético of Madrid sets the pace of the negotiations.
The midfielder still focuses on Copa of Mundo with Argentina. The competition will serve as a showcase. Dependendo’s performance, market value may fluctuate. Cruzeiro follows everything closely.