Football transfer news indicates a significant development regarding midfielder Thiago Almada. Reports suggest the 23-year-old Argentine is nearing a move to Portuguese giants SL Benfica, making a potential extended stay at Olympique Lyonnais via a new loan deal less probable.
Almada spent the latter part of the recent season on loan at Lyon, arriving from Botafogo in Brazil. During his spell in France, he accumulated 20 appearances, contributing 2 goals and 5 assists, including participation in the UEFA Europa League. Despite a decent contribution over his temporary period, his long-term future appears to lie outside of France.
Benfica have reportedly entered discussions for a permanent transfer. The proposed deal is understood to involve a fee of €28 million for 60% of the player`s economic rights. Almada himself is said to be receptive to the move to Portugal. Sources close to the player indicate a preference for what is perceived as a `less complicated environment` – a fascinating assessment of the various pressures found within top European leagues. Crucially for the player, Benfica offers a pathway to the UEFA Champions League, entering the competition`s third qualifying round, providing immediate access to elite European competition.
For Lyon, a transfer to Benfica or another club would represent a mixed outcome. On the sporting front, losing a creative player like Almada is undoubtedly a blow, particularly following the confirmed departure of Rayan Cherki, another source of attacking flair. However, the financial structure of Almada`s prior agreement with Botafogo means Lyon stands to receive a portion of the transfer fee generated by his move to another European club. Thus, a financial gain is anticipated from this scenario, albeit at the direct expense of on-field creativity in the short term.
As negotiations progress and the reported details emerge, the scales appear to be tipping firmly towards a permanent switch to Lisbon for Thiago Almada. This development looks set to close the door on another temporary stay in France and signal a new, potentially more stable, chapter in his European career with Benfica, while providing Lyon with a financial, if not strictly sporting, consolation prize.
