Atletico Madrid bets on Thiago Almada as a catalyst for next season’s title challenge
Atletico Madrid knows next season will be pivotal. The club is aiming to elevate its level to contest the biggest rivals, with Real Madrid and Barcelona, and the work behind the scenes has been steady and discreet. The objective goes beyond filling positions: the plan is to identify a standout player who can change the course of matches.
In the South American market, Atletico sees a goldmine in young players with high ceilings who attract international attention. The rojiblancos have not hesitated to bet big, leveraging a long-standing connection with top Argentine agents. That network has helped the club stay ahead of rivals in key signings.
Enter Thiago Almada, a name stirring a revolution in Argentine football. Almada joined Atletico this summer after years within the club’s orbit. From his beginnings at Vélez Sarsfield, through Atlanta United, his moves to Botafogo and a loan spell at Olympique Lyon, he has always been under close observation.
The representative, Agustín Jiménez, is a longtime ally of Atletico and has also facilitated moves for players such as Rodrigo De Paul and Ángel Correa, and even Germán Berterame, though the latter never wore Atletico’s shirt. Almada’s talent is undeniable, and within the club there is a strong belief he can deliver at the highest level.
In Argentina, the reaction to his arrival has been loud. Marcelo Doval, a football journalist for Dosis Futbolera, argued on El Chiringuito that Almada is acting as “the new Messi” for the national team. The impression is that his rising star is not just a club matter but a national talking point.
Simeone’s confidence in Almada is palpable. The Argentine press has echoed that sentiment, with La Nación’s Iván Ruiz noting that Almada is currently the player closest to embodying a Messi-like role for the national team, even as other names circulate in the discussion. The coach, Diego Simeone, is viewed as believing he can extract exceptional performance from the youngster at Atletico.
The club’s leadership is convinced that, under Simeone’s guidance and with Almada’s hunger, he could become one of La Liga’s most dangerous weapons. Whether Atletico has truly hit on a transformative signing remains to be seen, but the early signs and the global chatter around Almada point to a potentially pivotal season ahead.
What this means for Atlético
– A continued strategy of tapping into South American talent, especially Argentina, reinforced by strong agency links.
– A potential shift in midfield creativity and attacking dynamics if Almada develops as hoped.
– A broader narrative that Atletico is betting on young, high-upside players who can grow into league-defining contributors.
Key takeaways
– Almada’s arrival is part of Atletico’s longer-term plan to close the gap to Europe’s elite.
– The club’s network, notably with Argentine agents, is a strategic asset in securing rising stars.
– The national and international media are already drawing parallels between Almada and Messi in the context of Argentina, illustrating the high expectations surrounding his development.
Summary
Atletico Madrid is positioning Thiago Almada as a central piece for the next season, backed by a trusted Argentine network and a coach who believes in his potential. If Almada fulfills the early hype, he could bring a creative spark and tactical versatility that strengthens Atletico’s challenge in La Liga and beyond.
Positive note
There is genuine optimism in Madrid that Almada can grow into a key offensive force under Simeone, offering a blend of skill, vision, and competitive drive that could energize Atletico’s attack and help them contend with Europe’s top teams.