MLS
Atlanta United star Thiago Almada in talks with Boca Juniors
The World Cup winner has long-standing transfer interest from Europe but has now revealed that he would consider a return to Argentina.
Atlanta United midfielder Thiago Almada has hinted that a move back to Argentina may be close during an interview on Monday. The 23-year-old revealed that he had spoken to Boca Junior legend Juan Roman Riquelme and admitted that he would be interested in a move away from MLS.
“Yesterday Riquelme called me. It was a pleasant call. We spoke a little bit about everything. If there is a formal offer I’ll speak about it with my family,” Almada said.
Riquelme is currently the president of Boca Juniors, the club where he spent 13 years of his illustrious career. His role in the move could be a major factor for Almada but the young midfielder will not be allowed to leave Atlanta on the cheap. Almada joined from Argentinian side Vélez Sarsfield for $14.6 million, a fee that remains the largest incoming MLS deal. If he is allowed to leave Atlanta will probably demand a fee that eclipses the $24 million they received for Miguel Almirón, the league’s outgoing transfer record.
Tough times for Atlanta and Almada
Atlanta United ended last year with a real sense of optimism for the future. They had made it to the post-season, where they were eliminated by eventual MLS Cup winners Columbus Crew. Atlanta had finished the regular season campaign with 66 goals, second only to Columbus, and boasted some of the league’s top attacking players.
But now, just seven months on, everything has fallen apart. With the team mired at the wrong end of the Eastern Conference table head coach Gonzalo Pineda was dismissed last month. Designated Player striker Georgios Giakoumakis has failed to recreate his 2023 form and was sold to Cruz Azul last week.
Almada has, for now, stayed but his 2024 performances have been painfully inconsistent. He impressed in last month’s victory over Inter Miami but he has contributed just four goals and one assist from 15 games this season. That level is far below his 2023 output and a long way short of his lofty potential.
Having already parted ways with a head coach and star striker this ambitious club have made clear that change is on the way. Will they follow those decisions up with the sale of Thiago Almada? The 23-year-old is a supreme talent in MLS but, approaching the peak years of his career, Atlanta will be eager to ensure that the get the best possible return on their record-breaking investment.