Fulham targets Real Madrid midfielder Almendra

English club Fulham is reportedly setting its sights on Thiago Almendra, a Spanish midfielder of Moroccan descent from Real Madrid's academy. Under the guidance of Spanish coach Álvaro Arbeloa, Fulham has already secured deals for Gonzalo García and César Palacios from Real Madrid's youth system and is keen to add Almendra to their ranks.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Almendra has become Fulham's next transfer target. The club aims to reach an agreement with Real Madrid to sign the player, whose market value is estimated at around 20 million euros. The player himself has reportedly given his initial approval to a move to the Premier League, seeking greater playing opportunities.

Fulham previously completed a 50 million euro deal with Real Madrid for 70% of the rights to García and Palacios. The London-based club hopes to use a similar structure for Almendra. However, negotiations are proceeding more slowly due to Almendra's current recovery from a left knee injury, which is expected to sideline him for several weeks.

Almendra's future at Real Madrid remains uncertain. His situation changed after Arbeloa's departure from the club. While he was initially expected to participate in pre-season training under manager José Mourinho, the current plan is for him to continue with Real Madrid Castilla, with no clear path to the first team. This limited prospect, despite his 16 appearances for the first team in La Liga and the Champions League last season, including key matches against Manchester City and Bayern Munich, makes a move to the Premier League an attractive option for more playing time.

Almendra's development has been closely linked to coach Álvaro Arbeloa, who gave him his youth team debut on January 18, 2025, followed by Castilla appearances and his official first-team debut for Real Madrid on February 17, 2026. With García and Palacios nearing their move to Fulham, Almendra could become the third young talent from Real Madrid's academy to join his former coach in the Premier League this summer.