Thiago Almada arrived in Argentina eager for Lionel Scaloni’s final list for the 2026 World Cup. The Atlético de Madrid attacking midfielder, who had limited minutes in the European season, is seen as one of the coach’s bets for the midfield of the world champion team in 2022.
The call-up did not surprise anyone who follows the player’s career at Albiceleste. Despite not being an absolute starter at the Spanish club, Almada has always been on Scaloni’s radar, who values his versatility and ability to decide games. In the current season for Atlético, he has accumulated 3 goals and 1 assist in 27 La Liga games, modest numbers for those looking for regularity.
Situation at Atlético de Madrid generates uncertainty
At the club led by Simeone, the 25-year-old Argentine faces strong competition and has acted more as an option on the bench. This lack of rhythm worried part of the Argentine fans, but Scaloni maintained his confidence and included him among the names considered for the World Cup. Almada himself showed optimism upon arriving in the country: he is focused on the national team and leaves his future at the club until after the tournament.
Atlético de Madrid, who paid a lot to sign him, sees the World Cup as an opportunity to revalue the passing game. The contract runs until 2030, but the tendency is for the player to look for more minutes elsewhere from next year onwards.
South American clubs closely monitor
River Plate emerges as the most specific destination in Argentina. Millonario would be willing to pay around 20 million euros for the percentage of rights that Atlético is interested in. Almada would welcome a return to the country, but prioritizes remaining in Europe for now.
On the Brazilian side, Flamengo and Cruzeiro entered the radar. Raposa consulted the player’s surroundings and assessed the conditions, taking advantage of the positive relationship that Almada built at Botafogo. Flamengo, in turn, is monitoring the situation and could benefit from recent contacts with Atlético de Madrid. Vélez Sarsfield, the training club, also appears on the list of interested parties.
What changes with the World Cup
The competition in the United States, Canada and Mexico represents Almada’s chance to show a high level of service and attract more advantageous proposals. Anyone who follows him knows that he performs more when he has a sequence of games. A good performance could accelerate a transfer in the middle of the European season or in the 2027 window.
For now, the total focus is on preparation with Argentina. Scaloni counts on him in the process of renewing the midfield, alongside younger names like Nico Paz. Brazilian fans, especially Cruzeiro and Flamengo, are paying attention: the market could be shaken right after the final whistle of the World Cup.
