Talented Argentinian leaves Europe: Moves to River Plate for 20 million euros

Argentinian international midfielder Thiago Almada has made a high-profile return to his home country, signing with River Plate for a record-breaking 20 million euros. This transfer makes the 25-year-old the most expensive player in the history of the Argentine league.

Almada's move marks his return to Argentina after a four-year stint abroad, during which he played for four different clubs across three continents. His journey included spells in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Atlanta United, Brazilian club Botafogo, and in Europe with Lyon and most recently, Atlético Madrid.

The transfer fee of 20 million euros not only signifies Almada's value but also sets a new benchmark for player transfers within the Argentine league. This surpasses the previous record of 16 million euros paid for Colombian Kevin Castano when he moved from Russian club Krasnodar to River Plate last year.

Almada, a key member of the Argentinian squad that won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and secured a silver medal at the recent North American championships, has signed a contract with River Plate until 2029. His arrival is expected to significantly bolster the team's midfield.

His career path has been dynamic since leaving Argentina. After his time in MLS, he moved to Brazil's Botafogo before heading to Europe. He spent the spring of 2025 at Lyon and the 2025/26 season at Atlético Madrid, showcasing his adaptability and talent across different leagues before his return to the Argentine giants.