Image source: worldsoccertalk.com
Atletico Madrid have placed Argentina midfielder Thiago Almada on the transfer list with Gremio among clubs interested in signing the World Cup winner, as the Spanish side seek a $23 million sale for 50 percent of his economic rights during the January transfer window.
Atletico Madrid List Argentina’s Almada for $23 Million as Gremio Show Interest
The club’s board, led by Enrique Cerezo, has placed Almada on the transfer list and is now awaiting offers to negotiate his sale in the January transfer window, according to reports from Cadena Ser. The Argentine attacking midfielder joined Atletico Madrid at the start of the season from Olympique Lyonnais but has struggled for regular first-team opportunities under head coach Diego Simeone.
Almada has made 15 appearances across La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League this season, starting only six of those matches while recording two goals and one assist. Simeone has not given the midfielder the prominent role many expected, especially considering he is now a key player for the Argentina national team, prompting the club to consider his departure.
Gremio are the main club interested in signing Almada, with the Porto Alegre-based side expressing interest in bringing in the Argentine midfielder on loan with an option to buy. However, that proposal does not align with Atletico Madrid’s plans, as the Spanish club is seeking a $23 million sale in exchange for 50 percent of his economic rights rather than a loan arrangement.
The midfielder already played in Brazil during the second half of 2024, when he starred for Botafogo and helped the club win both the Serie A title and the Copa Libertadores. If Almada completes his return to Brazil, it would represent a major boost for the Brazilian league alongside elite stars including Neymar, who recently agreed to renew his contract with Santos.
Almada started five matches in the South American qualifiers in 2025 and scored crucial goals against Uruguay and Colombia, strengthening his position in Lionel Scaloni’s squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A move to a club where he can earn more consistent playing time would only strengthen his chances of inclusion in Argentina’s 26-man squad for the tournament in North America.
