MLS Atlanta striker Almada sent to Brazil's Botafogo

English Woman's Journal - MLS Atlanta striker Almada sent to Brazil's Botafogo

SPORTS 06.07.2024

MLS Atlanta striker Almada sent to Brazil's Botafogo / Photo: Kevin C. Cox - GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File

Argentine midfielder Thiago Almada was transferred from Atlanta United of MLS to Brazil's Botafogo on Saturday in a deal expected to eventually send him to France's Olympique Lyonnais.

Change text size:

Atlanta United announced the move, worth $30 million in total according to reports that also tied him to another club in the John Textor-owned Eagle Football Holdings group.

The group owns Lyonnais, Botafogo and Crystal Palace of the English Premier League and Almada will join the French side in 2025, according to ESPN and The Athletic.

The 23-year-old striker, who helped Argentina capture the 2022 Qatar World Cup, joined Atlanta United in February 2022 for a reported MLS record $16 million from Vélez Sarsfield.

"We spent more than a year recruiting Thiago to join Atlanta United and during that process, we agreed that our club could provide a great platform to showcase his abilities and he would have the opportunity to continue his development until the time was right for him to move on to the next challenge," Atlanta United technical director Carlos Bocanegra said.

"We're proud of what Thiago was able to accomplish in a short period of time."

Almada was named MLS Newcomer of the Year in 2022 and a 2023 MLS All-Star.

"Our team has been prepared for this move and we will look to immediately reinvest in the team during the upcoming summer transfer window," Bocanegra said.

Almada scored 24 goals and set up 34 others in 81 matches for Atlanta, which stands 6-9 with six drawn for 24 points in the Eastern Conference.

L.Paterson--EWJ

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

English Woman's Journal - MLS Atlanta striker Almada sent to Brazil's Botafogo