Young talent Thiago Almada surprised many by choosing River Plate over Flamengo, prioritizing a childhood dream and deep family ties with the Argentine club.
In one of the most talked-about twists of the transfer market, Flamengo was left empty-handed in the race for midfielder Thiago Almada. Despite the Rio de Janeiro club’s efforts to secure his signing, the Argentine player chose to defend the colors of River Plate, marking a return to his home country in a move filled with personal significance.
Almada‘s decision, which caused quite a stir behind the scenes, thwarted the Rubro-Negro’s plans to add a marquee signing to their roster. The player, highly coveted for his skill and potential, explained that his choice was not based solely on financial offers, but on an emotional connection rooted in his childhood.
Childhood Dream and Family Ties
The revelation regarding his move to River Plate was made by Almada himself on his social media channels, where he detailed his strong family connection to the Núñez-based club. The desire to play for the team was a long-standing aspiration shared by his loved ones.
My uncle, who lives there, played for the River reserve team and did the preseason with the first team, so we would always come to the stadium with my grandparents. As luck would have it, he didn’t get to play here. Now it’s my turn, so my family is very happy. The truth is that I’ve always loved the club; I’ve always had a special bond with it. I think every kid dreams of playing for this club. I am fulfilling a dream and hope I can bring a lot of joy to the fans.
Stalled Negotiations and High Costs
Talks between Flamengo and the club holding Almada‘s rights, Atlético de Madrid (ESP), seemed to be progressing. However, the negotiation hit a wall when the midfielder presented a salary demand of 6 million euros net per year. The amount was deemed excessive by the Rubro-Negro board, who felt that such a figure could disrupt the payroll and the harmony of the squad.
Meanwhile, River Plate did not hesitate to invest heavily to make Almada‘s dream—and that of their fans—a reality. The Argentine club shelled out 20 million euros for the acquisition, securing a long-term contract valid until December 2030 and reinforcing their sporting project with a young prospect.
Market Alternatives
Following Almada‘s rejection, Flamengo quickly sought other options in the transfer market to fill the gap. The name of Luiz Henrique, from Zenit, emerged as a strong candidate. However, talks did not advance due to the inflexibility of the Russian club, which demanded full, upfront payment, making the operation unfeasible for the Flamengo management.
The search for a midfield reinforcement continues for Flamengo, as the club remains alert to new opportunities. Almada‘s refusal and the difficulties encountered in other negotiations highlight the complexity of the current transfer market, where financial demands and players’ personal aspirations play a crucial role. The M360 team continues to monitor the Rio club’s next steps in search of new signings.
