They say Real Madrid wants him, and now the millions they'd ask for Almada.

The transfer saga surrounding Thiago Almada appears to be nearing its conclusion, with sources close to the negotiations indicating that a deal for the Argentine playmaker is on the verge of completion. ESPN has reported that clubs are "close" to reaching an agreement for a fee understood to be between €15 million and €20 million, with only minor details left to resolve before the highly anticipated transfer can be finalized.

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This development marks a significant step for the 23-year-old World Cup winner, who has long been expected to make the jump to a top European league. Almada's scintillating performances in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Atlanta United have consistently demonstrated his immense talent, vision, and goal-scoring ability, making him one of the league's most exciting exports. His departure will undoubtedly leave a void for the Five Stripes but represents a major triumph for the player's ambition and the growing reputation of MLS as a stepping stone to elite European football.

The Road to Europe: From Atlanta to the Cusp of a Major Move

Since his arrival in Atlanta in February 2022 from Vélez Sarsfield for a then-MLS record fee of $16 million, Almada has not just met, but exceeded expectations. He quickly established himself as the creative fulcrum of Atlanta United, mesmerizing fans with his dazzling dribbling, incisive passing, and spectacular long-range goals. His exceptional form earned him a call-up to Argentina's World Cup-winning squad in Qatar, where he became the first active MLS player to win a World Cup.

His consistent excellence in MLS, coupled with his international recognition, has made him a target for numerous European clubs across various leagues. Speculation surrounding his future has been a constant fixture in recent transfer windows, with a move to Europe always seeming like an inevitable next step in his promising career. The reported fee of €15-20 million reflects his proven ability and high potential, making him an attractive, yet financially significant, acquisition for any club looking to bolster its midfield creativity.

What's Next? The Final Details and Impact

The phrase "minor details left to resolve" often signals that the complex structure of a modern football transfer—involving agent fees, performance-related add-ons, and personal terms—is being meticulously ironed out. While the specifics of the acquiring club have not been officially disclosed in this particular report, the widespread interest from top European leagues suggests that Almada is destined for a significant stage.

For Atlanta United, this transfer represents not only a substantial financial return on their investment but also a validation of their strategy to attract and develop high-caliber international talent. While losing a player of Almada's quality will be a blow on the field, the funds generated will provide considerable flexibility for future squad building and investment.

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As the football world awaits the official announcement, the imminent transfer of Thiago Almada from MLS to Europe underscores the global interconnectedness of the sport and the increasing pathways for talent from diverse leagues to reach the pinnacle of football. All eyes will now be on the final few days as the "minor details" are resolved, paving the way for Almada's next chapter.