Atlético de Madrid has completed one of the most eye-catching moves of the transfer window with the signing of Thiago Almada, an Argentine footballer who joins the club at just 23 years old but already carries significant international experience. A World Cup champion with Argentina in Qatar 2022, the talented attacker was officially unveiled and did not hide his excitement about joining a club he says he has always dreamed of playing for.

“It was my dream to play here. I have a lot of affection for Atlético, for its history, and I didn’t hesitate when the opportunity came,” said the attacking midfielder in his first words as a Colchonero. Almada is already training under Diego Pablo Simeone at the team’s preseason camp in Los Ángeles de San Rafael, beginning his integration into the squad and adapting to the coaching staff’s demands.

A profile that fits Simeone’s new project

Almada arrives at Atlético de Madrid after being owned by Botafogo, although he most recently played on loan at Olympique Lyonnais for six months. Thanks to both clubs being under the same ownership group, the deal was streamlined, allowing Atlético to secure a versatile, creative player with huge potential.

The Argentine can operate as an attacking midfielder or as a left winger who cuts inside — a role he feels most comfortable in. “I can play in any attacking position, but I prefer starting on the left and drifting centrally,” he explained. His arrival strengthens an offensive line that has already been bolstered this summer with the additions of Álex Baena, Hancko, and Cardoso.

The presence of fellow Argentines in the dressing room has also been key to his adaptation. Almada admitted to having a close bond with Ángel Correa, whom he sees as a role model, and praised his growing connection with Julián Álvarez, with whom he has shared minutes on the national team: “We’ve linked up well in recent matches, and now that we’re at the same club, we’re getting to know each other even more.”

Club president Enrique Cerezo praised Almada’s skill and versatility during the unveiling: “He’s a talented player with great potential, capable of playing as a playmaker or on the wing. He joins a club where many Argentines have made their mark, and we hope he will too.”

With Almada, Atlético de Madrid is betting on youth, quality, and commitment — key ingredients in their pursuit of new objectives while staying true to the identity they've built over the past decade.