Thiago Almada arrives at OL!

Here is a new soap opera which ends at Olympique Lyonnais. Announced with Les Gones for several months now, Thiago Almada (23) finally arrives in Ligue 1. After six months with Botafogo where he achieved the Copa Libertadores-Serie A double, the Argentinian international (6 caps, 2 goals ) is loaned free of charge to the French club. “Olympique Lyonnais announces the arrival of Thiago Almada, Argentinian international and World champion», begins the press release published just now.

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«Olympique Lyonnais is pleased to formalize the arrival of Argentinian international and world champion, Thiago Almada, from Botafogo. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder joins OL on a free loan until June 30, 2025.» This famous «free loan» is made possible thanks to the fact that OL and Botafogo belong to the same entity, Eagle Group, led by John Textor. This was the only possible way for Les Gones to strengthen themselves this winter since the DNCG demoted them to Ligue 2 at the end of the season as a precautionary measure.

The highly anticipated arrival of Thiago Almada

The financial policeman, who is expecting €175 million from OL by the end of the season to save himself, has authorized this move, considering that it would not further damage his accounts. The arrival of Thiago Almada, eagerly awaited by supporters, will allow Pierre Sage to increase competition in an already well-stocked squad, but which should further evolve between now and the end of this winter transfer window. We think first of Rayan Cherki, whose name is regularly mentioned to enable OL to make a good sale capable of replenishing its coffers.

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The Argentine world champion will have to bring himself up to the level of European football. After experiences with Vélez Sarsfield, his training club, Atlanta United in MLS and Botafogo in Brazil, he arrived for the first time in his career on the old continent. Considered one of the greatest hopes in his country, the attacking midfielder knows he is being watched. In his first weeks in Lyon, he will be able to count on a certain Nicolás Tagliafico, world champion like him in Qatar two years ago.