Thiago Almada reveals European dream ahead of upcoming transfer window

Atlanta United's young star Thiago Almada has always dreamed of a move to Europe, but he's now expressed that he's ready to leave the Five Stripes in the upcoming transfer window.

When Almada arrived in MLS ahead of the 2022 season, most had the idea that he wouldn't be staying put for longer than two or three seasons. And now, that seems like it's about to become reality.

Since joining from Argentinian side Velez Sarsfield for a league inbound record of $16m, Almada has bagged 17 goals and dished out 31 assists - including 19 from 2023 that led the league - while propelling Atlanta to a sixth place finish and a return to MLS Cup playoffs after missing out in 2022.

The attacking midfielder has quickly become one of the best and most exciting players in the league with his exceptional dribbling and passing that couples well with his ability to score direct free kicks at will, as he scored three in the 2023 campaign.

Almada would probably fit like a glove in many mid-table or top sides in La Liga, and it's no surprise to see that he would prefer to end up in sunny Spain or in the lucrative Premier League in England.

"I want to go to Europe now! Yes, now in this upcoming transfer window, I want to go now," Almada said in an interview with Latin America ESPN.

"I would like any top league. If I have to choose it’s Premier League or La Liga, but I would like any top league."

In the latter days of the summer transfer window, 90min reported that Dutch giants Ajax were interested in the 22-year-old's services, but a move didn't materialize as it was so close to the end of August.

It's likely that Almada does get his dream transfer either this winter window or in the summer of 2024, with Atlanta eager to line up a replace of some sort to try to fill the void that the midfielder will leave behind. The Five Stripes will try to hold out for an MLS record $30m outbound transfer fee, but they might have to lower their expectations if they do try to move Almada in the winter window.

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