The attacking midfielder signed a contract until 2030 and became the most expensive signing in the history of Argentine football. He has already joined the squad and was included in the list for the Copa Sudamericana
Thiago Almada is officially a player of River. The 25-year-old attacking midfielder signed his contract with the Millonario on Monday until December 31, 2030, joined the squad led by Eduardo Coudet, and became the major signing of the transfer market.
The player arrived from Atlético de Madrid after a negotiation that required a significant investment from River. The operation, close to 20 million euros according to reported figures, made Almada the most expensive signing in the history of Argentine football.
Additionally, the former Vélez player was included in the good faith list for the Sudamericana Cup, so he will be eligible to play in the round of 16 series against Independiente Santa Fe. The coaching staff's intention is for him to be available for the return leg, scheduled for next week.
After completing his first practice, Almada shared his first words as a player of the Millonario and did not hide his excitement for the new challenge. "I am very happy to be here. I am fulfilling a dream of playing for a club like River Plate", he expressed in statements to the club's official channel.
The midfielder also thanked the warm welcome he received since the negotiations began. "I wanted to thank you for the affection, for the messages you have sent me all this time. I hope to bring you a lot of joy", he stated.
The presentation of Almada with the River Board of Directors
One of the particularities of his arrival is the connection he already had with several members of the squad. Almada mentioned that Nicolás Otamendi was one of the ones who encouraged him the most to accept River's offer during their time together with the Argentine National Team. "We were with Nico Otamendi in the National Team and shared a lot of mate together. Every now and then he would suggest I come to River", he recounted.
He also recalled his conversations with Gonzalo Montiel and other world champions he knows from the Albiceleste. "With Cachete Montiel, we also got along very well, we talked a lot about the club. Also Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández. Just when everything was almost finalized, I was on vacation with them and they were happy that I was coming here", he added.
According to him, his relationship with River dates back to his childhood. The player explained that his family has always had a bond with the institution and that his uncle even did a preseason with the professional squad. "My uncle played in the Reserve, did preseason with the First Team. So, always with my grandparents, we would come to the stadium. Due to life's circumstances, he couldn't make it, but now it's my turn to play here, so my family is very happy", he shared.
He concluded with a phrase that summarizes his expectations for this new stage: "The truth is that I have always loved the club, I have always had a connection with the club. I think any kid dreams of playing for this club".
Almada arrives in Núñez after having played for Vélez, Atlanta United, Botafogo, Olympique de Lyon, and Atlético de Madrid. Additionally, he is a member of the Argentine National Team and participated in the 2022 and 2026 World Cups, with one title and one runner-up finish, respectively. He will now begin a new chapter wearing the River jersey, with the Sudamericana Cup as one of his first major objectives.
