Full Breakdown
Thiago Almada Set to Join River Plate After Atletico Madrid Tenure
7/7/2026, 9:39:42 PM
Transfer Confirmation: Almada’s Move to River Plate
Argentina forward Thiago Almada will depart Atletico Madrid to sign for River Plate, according to a source at the Argentine club. The agreement, reached in negotiations held in Spain, will be publicly announced after the ongoing World Cup tournament.
Background: Almada’s Career Path and International Profile
Almada, 25, began at Velez Sarsfield before spells at Atlanta United, Botafogo and Olympique Lyonnais, then joined Atletico Madrid. He was part of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad and is taking part in the tournament in the United States.
Key Figures and Organizations Involved
The primary parties to the transaction are Thiago Almada, River Plate, and Atletico Madrid. Information about the deal originates from a River management source and a source close to the player, both of whom communicated details to Reuters.
Timeline of Negotiations and Announcement
Negotiations between River Plate and Atletico Madrid took place in Spain prior to July 6, 2024, the date Reuters published the report. The clubs agreed to finalize the transfer after the World Cup concludes, with the public announcement slated for the post-tournament period.
Performance Data and Reported Transfer Valuation
Almada is 25. He was a 2022 World Cup winner. In the 2023-24 season he made 40 appearances and scored four goals across all competitions. The transfer fee is reported at about $20 million for 50 percent of his registration rights.
Financial Structure of the Transfer
The deal does not disclose the remaining ownership percentage, leaving it unclear whether Atletico Madrid retains any share of Almada’s registration rights.
Potential Impact on River Plate and Atletico Madrid
River Plate adds a World Cup-winning forward who has played in Argentina, the United States, Brazil, France and Spain. Almada’s aim for more playing time suggests a regular role.
Official Statements from Sources
A River source told Reuters, “An agreement was reached with Atletico and Thiago, but it will be announced after the World Cup.” A source close to Almada said the player wants more playing time than he received in Spain, prompting the move.
Criticism and Opposition
The available reports do not contain any public criticism or opposition to the transfer from clubs, agents, or fan groups. No dissenting statements were identified in the source material.
Conflicting Reports and Information Gaps
The $20 million fee and 50 percent registration share are reported by Argentine press, not confirmed by clubs, leaving exact terms unclear. The public announcement date also remains unspecified pending the World Cup’s conclusion.
Verbatim Quote
- “An agreement was reached with Atletico and Thiago, but it will be announced after the World Cup.” — River source, Reuters
Future Steps and Integration
River Plate will formalize the transfer after the World Cup, as the agreement is set to be announced after the tournament. Atletico Madrid will retain a stake in Almada’s registration rights.
