Thiago Almada’s surprising announcement of his arrival despite the recruitment ban

At 23 years old, Thiago Almada already has a full track record. World champion in 2022 with Argentina in Qatar, the Albiceleste midfielder is coming off an incredible 2024 season with Botafogo. Recruited by the Carioca club for €20 million, Almada added a Brazilian championship and a Copa Libertadores to his trophy cabinet. Very quickly afterwards, the Argentine confided several times that he was going to leave Rio de Janeiro to go to Olympique Lyonnais.

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“The truth is that this team will stay with me for the rest of my career, it is beautiful, close-knit, family, but I had planned everything to stay six months and then go to Lyon. I think this will happen. I would like to thank everyone at Botafogo for their support and affection. They will always remain in my heart. » This Wednesday, Thiago Almada gave another layer at the microphone ofESPN.

“They told me they would find a solution to the problem”

But this time, in addition to reaffirming his arrival on the banks of the Rhône, the Botafogo player confirmed that the operation should take place despite the DNCG sanctions pronounced against Les Gones. “Everything is set to go to Lyon. January 5. I asked them and they told me that they were going to find a solution to the problem they had regarding a debt I believe. This is also why they cannot register new players. But they told me everything would be fine. »

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An announcement which is of cause for concern since on November 17, the DNCG imposed the following sanctions. “As part of the review of the situation of clubs for the 2024-2025 sporting season, the Professional Club Control Commission has taken the following decisions in application of article 11 of the DNCG Regulations: Olympique Lyonnais, supervision of payroll and ban on recruiting. Demotion as a precautionary measure at the end of the current sporting season.» It now remains to be seen how OL will be able to enlist Thiago Almada despite a recruitment ban.