Just a few months after joining Olympique Lyon following his role as one of the key figures in Botafogo's first Copa Libertadores title, Thiago Almada could return to Brazil, as reported by 'Globo Esporte' this morning. Botafogo's plan is to have him back to compete in the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States.

The inexplicable transfer of Thiago Almada to Olympique Lyon

Thiago Almada's move to Olympique Lyon in the past winter transfer window involved many twists that are still difficult to explain today. Especially because, just months before, the DNG and FFF had agreed on a penalty for Olympique Lyon, requiring them to raise 100 million euros through player transfers. Until then, they were banned from signing new players, and if they failed to meet this condition, they would be relegated to Ligue 2.

However, John Textor found a way to bring Thiago Almada to Olympique Lyon on loan in January… despite several legal challenges raised by Ligue 1. The negotiation with Botafogo, however, wasn’t too complicated. This is mainly because Textor is also the owner of the Brazilian club.

Botafogo's strategy to bring back Thiago Almada

Before agreeing to sign with Botafogo for 20 million euros in July 2024, when he was still a player for Atlanta United, Thiago Almada was promised that it would only be a ‘bridge’ transfer to eventually move to Olympique Lyon. In fact, the plan is for the French club to make the transfer permanent in the coming months… if allowed by the DNG and FFF. A transfer that, in the end, will be purely formal.

Having impressed since his arrival at Olympique Lyon, Thiago Almada has taken on a leadership role with Argentina during this FIFA Date in the absence of Leo Messi. However, before his permanent transfer is completed, Botafogo would like to have him back for the Club World Cup. This is a feasible move since the transfer window will open before the tournament begins.