River Plate sign Thiago Almada after one season at Atletico de Madrid

River Plate have announced the permanent signing of Thiago Almada from Atletico de Madrid, with the 25-year-old expected to travel to Argentina in the coming hours to join his new team.

Reports in Argentina say River Plate will pay €20m for the transfer, which brings Almada’s two-season spell in Europe to an end after just one campaign with Atletico de Madrid.

The midfielder joined Atletico de Madrid at the start of last season from Olympique Lyon. However, he made only 27 appearances for the Spanish club and scored three goals before agreeing to return to South America.

River Plate confirmed the deal on Saturday, 8 August 2026, describing Almada’s move as a permanent transfer. The club did not disclose further details of the agreement, although reports have put the value of the deal at €20m.

Almada is due to leave for Argentina shortly, where he will link up with the River Plate squad. His arrival represents a significant addition for the club, as well as a return to his home continent after two seasons playing in Europe.

The 25-year-old began that European period with Olympique Lyon before moving to Atletico de Madrid. His time in Madrid lasted one season, during which he featured 27 times and found the net on three occasions.

Despite his limited opportunities at club level, Almada has also represented Argentina on the international stage. He was part of the Argentina squad at the 2022 World Cup, where the team reached the final.

Argentina lost that final to Spain by a single goal.

Almada’s return to South America will now see him continue his career in his home country with River Plate. The transfer follows his brief spell at Atletico de Madrid and marks a new chapter for a player who has already experienced European club football and a World Cup campaign with Argentina.

River Plate’s announcement confirms that the deal has been completed, while the reported €20m fee would make the move a major investment by the Argentine club. Almada’s immediate trip to Argentina means he is set to begin the next stage of his career with his new team after only one season in Madrid.