Di María is Gone, and Now Another Argentinian World Cup Winner Could Arrive at Benfica

Portuguese giants Benfica are reportedly set to make a significant move in the summer transfer window, preparing a €40 million offer for Argentine attacking midfielder Thiago Almada, currently on loan at Olympique Lyon. This highly anticipated development has been confirmed by renowned transfer market expert Gianluca Di Marzio, whose reports are often a strong indicator of impending deals.

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The news comes as Benfica looks to bolster its squad, particularly following the departure of Angel Di María. Almada, a dynamic and creative player, is seen as a prime candidate to fill the void left by his compatriot and inject fresh attacking impetus into the team.

Thiago Almada, born on April 26, 2001, in Fuerte Apache, Argentina, began his professional career at Vélez Sarsfield, one of Argentina's most prestigious youth academies. He quickly rose through the ranks, making his senior debut in 2018 at just 17 years old. His early performances showcased exceptional talent, characterized by quick dribbling, precise passing, and an eye for goal. He became a key player for Vélez, attracting attention from clubs across Europe and North America. During his time at Vélez, Almada amassed significant experience, playing in the Argentine Primera División and various domestic cup competitions.

In 2022, Almada made a groundbreaking move to Atlanta United FC in Major League Soccer (MLS), becoming the league's most expensive incoming transfer at the time. His impact in MLS was immediate and profound. He quickly established himself as a league standout, demonstrating his ability to dictate play from midfield, create scoring opportunities, and execute spectacular long-range shots. His performances earned him the MLS Newcomer of the Year award in 2022 and further cemented his reputation as one of the brightest young talents in world football.

The pinnacle of Almada's career so far came in December 2022 when he was part of the Argentina national team that lifted the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Although he played a limited role in the tournament, his inclusion in the squad and the subsequent triumph marked a significant milestone, making him the first active MLS player to win a World Cup. This achievement further elevated his profile on the international stage.

Earlier this year, Almada moved to Olympique Lyon in France on a loan deal from Botafogo (part of the Eagle Football Group, which also owns Lyon), as part of a strategic move to integrate him into European football at a higher level. During his stint in Ligue 1, he continued to refine his game, adapting to the physicality and tactical demands of a top European league. While his time at Lyon has been relatively brief, he has shown glimpses of his immense potential, contributing with goals and assists.

Benfica's reported €40 million bid signals a clear intent to secure Almada's services permanently. The club has a history of developing young South American talents into world-class players before moving them on for significant profits, with Enzo Fernández being a recent prominent example. Should the deal materialize, Almada would join a long line of Argentine players who have graced the Estadio da Luz. The move would also provide Almada with the opportunity to regularly compete in the UEFA Champions League, a crucial step in his career progression.

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As of now, no official statements have been released by Benfica, Olympique Lyon, or Almada's representatives. However, Di Marzio's confirmation indicates that negotiations are well underway. The football world will be watching closely to see if this high-profile transfer comes to fruition, potentially marking a new chapter for Thiago Almada in European football.