Atlanta United Completes Transfer of Thiago Almada to Brazil’s Botafogo

Thiago Almada is heading to Brazil.

Atlanta United has completed its transfer of the 23-year-old Argentine professional footballer to Brazilian top-flight side Botafogo for a Major League Soccer-record fee, the club announced on Saturday.

Thiago AlmadaWhile the club confirmed the fee is a record, it didn’t attach a monetary figure. The Athletic reported Atlanta United stands to receive $21 million with up to $30m possible if conditions are met.

The 5-foot-7 midfielder/winger is expected to be on the move from Brazil over the winter. Botafogo is part of Eagle Football Holdings, which also operates Lyon of France’s Ligue 1 and Crystal Palace of England’s Premier League. It’s anticipated he will join Lyon in January.

Almada was transferred to Atlanta in February 2022 for a reported $16m by Velez Sarsfield of Argentina’s Primera Division. He went on to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina and will play for his nation in the 2024 Paris Games beginning later this month.

“We spent more than a year recruiting Thiago to join Atlanta United and during that process, we agreed that our club could provide a great platform to showcase his abilities and he would have the opportunity to continue his development until the time was right for him to move on to the next challenge,” Atlanta’s vice president and technical director Carlos Bocanegra said in a news release.

Almada appeared in 77 regular-season matches (72 starts) with Atlanta United, recording 23 goals and 33 assists. He was honored as MLS Newcomer of the Year in 2022 and MLS Young Player the following year.

“His success is something we’re all proud of and a ton of credit is owed to our scouting department, in addition to everyone who has worked with him at the club,” Bocanegra said. “Our team has been prepared for this move and we will look to immediately reinvest in the team during the upcoming summer transfer window.”

David Luiz Reportedly Leaving Arsenal at End of the Season

David Luiz is looking to switch sides

The 34-year-olf Brazilian professional footballer will leave Arsenal when his contract expires at the end of the season, according to ESPN.

David Luiz

Luiz attended a meeting with senior figures at the club on Friday, which concluded without an extension to his existing agreement.

Sources say the Gunners have made clear their respect for Luiz’s contribution but are seeking to strengthen the centerback area with younger alternatives.

It’s unclear whether Luiz was offered any terms to stay but regardless the Brazil international is now focused on finding a new club, sources said.

He has claimed on several occasions that he wants to finish his career back at Benfica, adding in April last year: “In football everything changes — what is true today, tomorrow is a lie — but my feeling is not.

“I love Benfica. My dream is to step on the pitch of Estadio da Light in their colours. Benfica is bigger than any player.”

Luiz joined the Gunners from London rivals Chelsea in 2019 for £8 million. He has made 73 appearances for the club to date — including helping them win last season’s FA Cup Final against his former club — and has been viewed by manager Mikel Arteta as an influential leadership figure in the dressing room.

He’s suffering with a hamstring problem but will hope for one final appearance in Arsenal’s remaining two Premier League matches, against Crystal Palace and Brighton next week.