Istanbul – Galatasaray is reportedly preparing a bid for Atlético Madrid midfielder Thiago Almada, according to reports from Spanish media. The Turkish club, fresh off a strong season, sees the 24-year-old Argentine international as a key target for bolstering their attacking options ahead of the next campaign. This pursuit comes as Atlético Madrid may be willing to part ways with Almada, who hasn’t consistently featured in manager Diego Simeone’s starting lineup.
Reports from Fichajes indicate that Galatasaray is ready to submit a formal offer for Almada, who primarily plays as a number 10 but is also capable of featuring on either wing. The potential transfer fee is estimated at €25 million, reflecting Almada’s value as a 2022 FIFA World Cup winner and a player with a proven track record in both South America and MLS.
Almada’s journey to this point has been remarkable. Born in Ciudadela, Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 2001, he rose through the ranks at Vélez Sarsfield before making a significant move to Atlanta United in 2022. He quickly established himself as one of the league’s brightest stars, earning recognition as one of the best players in Major League Soccer history. His success continued with Botafogo in Brazil, where he won the 2024 Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian Série A before a move to Atlético Madrid.
The interest from Galatasaray isn’t coming without competition. Juventus, who Galatasaray eliminated from the Champions League in the recent season, is also reportedly monitoring Almada’s situation. This adds another layer of complexity to the potential transfer, potentially driving up the price and intensifying the negotiation process.
This season, Almada has made 30 appearances for Atlético Madrid, contributing with 4 goals and 1 assist. While his contributions are valuable, his limited role under Simeone suggests that a move could be beneficial for both the player and the club. Almada’s versatility is a significant asset; he can operate effectively in multiple attacking positions, offering tactical flexibility to any team.
For Galatasaray, adding a player of Almada’s caliber would represent a significant statement of intent. The club has been actively strengthening its squad in preparation for continued success on both domestic and European fronts. Almada’s experience winning major titles, including the World Cup, could also provide a valuable boost to the team’s mentality and ambition.
Almada’s international career has also been impressive. He has represented Argentina at various youth levels, including the Under-20 and Under-23 teams, and has earned 12 caps for the senior national team, scoring 4 goals. His inclusion in the 2022 World Cup-winning squad cemented his status as a key player for Argentina.
The coming weeks will be crucial as Galatasaray formalizes its offer and engages in negotiations with Atlético Madrid. The outcome of these talks will likely depend on several factors, including Almada’s own preferences, Atlético Madrid’s willingness to sell, and the level of competition from other interested clubs, particularly Juventus. Fans in Turkey will be watching closely, hoping to see the World Cup winner donning the Galatasaray jersey next season.
Galatasaray’s next confirmed match is a Süper Lig fixture against Fenerbahçe on April 12, 2026, at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium in Istanbul. The outcome of this highly anticipated derby could significantly impact the title race, adding further pressure on the club to strengthen its squad in the upcoming transfer window.
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