Atlanta United primed to sign Thiago Almada from Velez
By Chris Smith
Atlanta United are set to sign exciting Argentine talent Thiago Almada from Velez this winter, according to reports.
The Five Stripes have been pursuing the 20-year-old for some time and although they didn't manage to get a deal over the line in the summer window, that was seen as more of a delay than a failure.
Almada himself recently confirmed that "everything is still on track" with his Atlanta United move, even if Europe remained his preferred destination.
“The [Atlanta United move] was close. It did not happen, but everything is still on track. Right now I am calm and enjoying [Velez]. I will take the decision with my family, but if an offer comes, I’d like to leave. I prefer to go to Europe.”
— Ronald Peña (@ronaldpen_a) October 27, 2021
Thiago Almada on his future. #ATLUTD pic.twitter.com/NYSTAVhW1U
Now, according to Buenos Aires-based journalist Cesar Luis Merlo, Almada has agreed on a contract that will run until December 2026, with Atlanta United buying 100% of the players' rights.
?[CONFIRMADO] Thiago Almada jugará en el Atlanta United.
— César Luis Merlo (@CLMerlo) November 5, 2021
*️⃣El futbolista ya acordó el contrato con su nuevo club hasta diciembre de 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣.
*️⃣El arreglo por la compra del 100% entre Vélez y la institución de ?? estaba listo desde agosto.
*️⃣Se ✍️ semana próxima. #TratoHecho pic.twitter.com/Uh8MDJOsrO
Capped 10 times at U-20 and U-23 level combined, Almada was recently called up to the senior Argentina national team for the first time for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil.
At his best playing at the point of midfield behind the striker, Almada is at his best connecting play and splitting open defenses with his precision passing, and leading counter-attacks with his direct, dynamic dribbling.
With MLS set as the benchmark league, Almada rates at 89/99 for attacking output, 92 for ball retention & 98 for link up, via @smarterscout
— Chris Smith (@CJSmith91) November 5, 2021
Check his actions map. Almada would ideally operate behind Josef, connecting him to the midfield, leading transitions & opening up defenses pic.twitter.com/WvD1sN1C1q
After experiencing an upturn in form following this summer's Olympic Games, there's every chance Ezequiel Barco will finally seal a move away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium this winter. The former Independiente forward has blown hot and cold for the Five Stripes but has arguably been their best player of the Gonzalo Pineda era so far - Barco has been linked with the likes of Napoli and Arsenal in the past.
Atlanta would likely need to open up a DP spot to facilitate Almada's transfer, with Barco the most obvious candidate to leave ahead of club legend Josef Martinez and new arrival Luiz Araujo.