MLS
Thiago Almada eyes move: “I want to play in Europe”
The Atlanta United midfielder was voted MLS Young Player of the Year and is making no secret of his desire to play in the Premier League or LaLiga.
Thiago Almada has developed into one of the most exciting attacking players in MLS and the 22-year-old has revealed that he has his sights set on a move to Europe.
The Atlanta United midfielder recorded a league-high 19 assists in the regular season and was voted Young Player of the Year for 2023. He also found himself on the three-man shortlist to be named Landon Donovan MVP, but was beaten by compatriot Luciano Acosta.
Almada recently appeared on ESPN in Argentina, admitting that he feels ready for a move to the top European leagues.
“I want to leave, I want to go play in Europe. I feel like leaving now,” he said. “If I have to choose, I would like to play the Premier League or the Spanish league, but either”.
The Atlanta playmaker added that he had been close to a move to Europe in the past, with Dutch giants Ajax previously interested in securing his signature. The Amsterdam club has a reputation for developing players and Almada was keen on a move to Eredivisie.
“There was something about Ajax but that couldn’t happen. I had said that I wanted to go, but hey, let’s see now,” he said.
Almada could join other Argentinian prospects in Europe
Argentina’s conveyor belt of talent is one of the very best in the world and Almada could soon join his compatriots in the top European leagues.
In the Premier League there have been a number of impressive recent performances from Argentines. Alejandro Garnacho has impressed for Manchester United and struck a spectacular bicycle kick against Everton. Enzo Fernández scored twice in Chelsea’s win over Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend, while Alexis Mac Allister opened his account for Liverpool with a screamer against Fulham on Sunday.
In Spain Nico Paz scored a crucial goal for Real Madrid as they triumphed over Napoli in the Champions League. The Madrid academy graduate fired home from the edge of the box to ensure that Real Madrid progress to the knock-out stages as group winners.
Speaking after the game, Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti said that the 19-year-old “has all the quality that a Real Madrid player needs to have.”
With the January transfer window fast approaching, Thiago Almada may soon be joining his fellow Argentines in the European leagues.