Atlanta United Already Have a ‘Plan B’ For Thiago Almada’s MLS Exit Amid Atletico Madrid Interest

It’s a bittersweet scenario for MLS club Atlanta United at the moment. As reports have arrived that its star player, Thiago Almada, could head to Atletico Madrid, the MLS team understandably wants to keep the star. However, to be more pragmatic, the club is aware of its limited control over the situation. Nevertheless, according to his teammate, Giorgos Giakoumakis, Atlanta could already have a plan B in case he chooses to leave.

Giakoumakis is quite optimistic that the club will not let such a player go easily. According to a journalist, Almada’s colleague said, “I’m thinking that I know for sure that the transfer fee is going to be a respectful amount of money.” “So I don’t know how easy is that for a European team during January when to spend all this money. So if they are close to signing Thiago, I think possibly Atlanta will have a plan B to prepare the team for the season.”

Almada has been one of the finds of the last two years for the Georgia-based team. The player has been a consistent performer for Atlanta, scoring 20 goals in the last two seasons. Therefore, things could get tough for the 2018 champions, leaving out the attacking midfielder.

Atletico Madrid to let go of another Argentine for Thiago Almada?

On the other hand, Atletico Madrid will reportedly let Anger Correa into the Saudi Pro League to accommodate Thiago Almada. As reported by Fabrizio Romano, the club seems to have been impressed by the 2001-born player for quite a few days. Meanwhile, Correa has been eyed by the current Saudi champion, Al Ittihad.

Apparently, Atlanta United will try to negotiate with Almada, as stated earlier by their vice president. The Argentinian World Cup winner signed a $16 million contract until 2025 in 2022. But on the other end, Giakoumakis feels that players of such quality could head to Europe anyway. Continuing further, he said, “And if it’s not now, maybe in the summer or next season, he has to go to Europe if he wants to play in the top, top level. Because his quality is for the top, top level.”

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The captain of the recently announced Argentina Under-23 team was selected as the MLS Young Player of 2023, scoring 12 goals and providing 16 assists. However, his side could not capitalize after reaching the playoffs. Last season’s campaign could have ended better for Atlanta United, as they lost to Columbus in the first round of the playoffs. And for them to kick off this year on a good note, the club will have to find a suitable replacement for the 21-year-old.

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