Argentina international Thiago Almada, who is among the finalists for the 2023 MLS MVP award, is being linked with a move to Europe.
Bryan ArellanoBryxn_AWilliam AllenWAS_AllenUpdate: Nov 19th, 2023 03:53 EST
ERIK S. LESSEREFE
World Cup winner Thiago Almada has excelled for Atlanta United since joining the MLS franchise in 2022, establishing himself as the team’s most important player. Now, after Atlanta’s elimination from the MLS playoffs, the Argentine’s form for the Five Stripes could see him earn a move to European soccer.
Atlanta are “planning on” Almada still being at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2024, says the team’s vice-president and technical director, Carlos Bocanegra – but he has conceded that the 22-year-old could leave if the “right offer” comes in.
“Things change”: Bocanegra on Almada future
“Things change, as you guys know, in the transfer window,” Bocanegra told reporters on Friday. “If [offers] come in December, January, we’ll have that conversation with the player. Does this offer fit? Is this the right place to go?
“But really with Thiago, we’ve created it where if he would like to stay and the right offer doesn’t come and the right club does not come in for him, then he’s okay to stay and he’s happy here. I think that’s great for us.
“We’re planning on him coming back. Things can change. I don’t want to say 100% he’s back because that’s how it works in the global football world. But [he’s a] great kid and at the moment we’re counting on him being part of our group next year.”
Full screen
Almada has registered 20 goals and 23 assists in 66 appearances for Atlanta United.MICHAEL ZARRILLIAFP
Atlanta star up for MLS MVP prize
Almada, who has been capped four times by Argentina, is among the finalists for the 2023 season’s MLS Most Valuable Player award, together with Los Angeles FC’s Dénis Bouanga and FC Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta.