Al Ahli, the Saudi Arabian football club, is in discussions to secure Argentine midfielder Thiago Almada from Atletico Madrid for around €30 million. This move underscores the kingdom's ambitions to alter the dynamics of global football finances.
#What is Known About Almada's Transfer Journey?
Thiago Almada has had a notable transfer history, moving from Atlanta United to Botafogo in 2024 for a record fee of approximately $21 million, including performance-related add-ons. Following this, Atletico Madrid acquired him in July 2025 for €21 million, which only accounted for 50% of his economic rights. Consequently, his effective valuation approaches €40 million when factoring in the total equity held.
Al Ahli's reported offer is significantly higher than River Plate's interest, which previously stood at about €17 million. This discrepancy highlights both the club's financial capability and their willingness to invest in talent that has been less effective on the field.
#How Does Almada's Current Situation Affect His Value?
At 25 years old, Almada was part of Argentina's triumph at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, his playing time at Atletico Madrid has been lacking, leading to speculation regarding his future. The reality that a player with a five-year contract is being transferred within such a short time raises questions about his fit in the current setup.
#Why Is Saudi Arabia Investing Heavily in Football?
From Atletico Madrid's perspective, the math becomes clear. Having initially invested €21 million for half of Almada's rights, a €30 million offer from Al Ahli allows them to recover that investment and more, especially for a player who hasn’t fully realized his potential in a competitive league. If the offer pertains to only their 50% stake, it still indicates a profitable venture after just one year.
#What Does This Mean for the Football Market?
Although no formal agreement has been struck yet, the early discussions about Almada signify broader trends in football finance. Al Ahli's vast offer compared to River Plate's interest suggests multiple avenues for Atletico to explore. If Almada struggles to thrive at Atletico, moving to a league with less competitive pressure may either reignite his career or simply shift his challenges elsewhere. The upcoming negotiations are set to be pivotal in shaping Almada's future, alongside the larger financial landscape of global football.