In a transfer market twist, Thiago Almada confirmed that discussions with former Atlético-MG manager Eduardo Coudet were crucial in his choice to join River Plate, ultimately turning down an offer from Flamengo.
Following his participation in the World Cup, Argentine forward Thiago Almada became one of the most sought-after names in South American soccer. Now signed with River Plate, the young talent detailed the behind-the-scenes of his decision, revealing a series of conversations that sealed his fate. He passed up a lucrative offer from Flamengo to return to his home country.
The deciding factor, according to Almada, was the intervention of Eduardo Coudet. The manager, who had a notable stint at Atlético-MG, played a fundamental role in his choice. The revelation highlights the importance of personal connections and sporting projects in the transfer market.
The Decisive Influence of Coudet and Peers
Speaking to Radio La Red, Thiago Almada emphasized the significance of his contact with the Argentine manager. In addition to Coudet, the player stated he had spoken with other influential figures, such as defender Nicolás Otamendi—his teammate on the Brazil national team—who also played briefly for Atlético-MG in 2014, and forward Ángel Correa.
Almada, highlighting the weight of these opinions on his career path, told Radio La Red:
The call from Coudet was super important in my decision. River Plate doesn’t have anything to envy compared to European clubs. I also talked to Otamendi and Correa; all of them were fundamental.
Drawn to the Project and Argentine Passion
The attacking midfielder, a runner-up in the 2022 World Cup, explained that the opportunity to join the River Plate project was a major differentiator. The detailed presentation of the club’s plan, provided by Coudet, aligned with the athlete’s desire to rediscover the intensity of Argentine soccer.
Almada, underscoring his passion for the local game, added:
I made the decision during my vacation. I spoke with Chacho about the club’s project, and I didn’t hesitate for a second. I missed the pressure from the fans that you feel in Argentine soccer. That’s what I like.
The Battle for Almada: Flamengo vs. River Plate
The pursuit of Thiago Almada involved a fierce battle between two continental giants. Flamengo submitted a robust proposal to Atlético de Madrid: 30 million euros fixed (roughly R$ 177 million) plus 5 million euros in bonuses.
In contrast, River Plate offered 20 million euros (approximately R$ 118.4 million) for 50% of the player’s economic rights.
Despite the financial difference and a higher salary package from the Rio-based club, which reached nearly R$ 3 million per month, Almada prioritized a return to Argentina, frustrating the efforts of Flamengo‘s director of football, José Boto, who had even traveled to the neighboring country.
Coudet’s Stint at Atlético-MG
Eduardo Coudet‘s influence on Almada‘s decision stems from his time at Atlético-MG in 2023. Under his command, the team won that year’s Campeonato Mineiro. In 35 matches, the manager recorded 21 wins, eight draws, and six losses, totaling a 67.6% success rate.
Despite the positive results on the pitch, Coudet‘s departure from Atlético-MG in June 2023 was marked by controversy. After a draw against Red Bull Bragantino in the Brazilian Serie A, the manager publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the board over the lack of new signings, culminating in the termination of his contract with the club from Minas Gerais.
Thiago Almada‘s choice to join River Plate, influenced by Eduardo Coudet‘s vision and the appeal of Argentine soccer, demonstrates how personal relationships and the pursuit of a sporting project aligned with an athlete’s aspirations can outweigh multi-million dollar deals.
The return of such a young talent to South America to play for one of the continent’s most traditional clubs is certainly set to shake up the local soccer landscape and the expectations of the millonaria fanbase.
