Atlanta United star midfielder Thiago Almada has attracted plenty of interest from European clubs after his strong start to the 2023 MLS season.
Beyond Major League Soccer, the player also lifted the 2022 World Cup trophy with Argentina to make him quite the accomplished figure at just 22 years old. With immense potential, it's not likely he will stay with Atlanta United very long. Here are the five possible, future destinations for the young star:
1. Napoli
Serie A giant and league winner Napoli is one club that have kept a close eye on Almada in recent months. Head coach Luciano Spalletti's system would accommodate the young player well, given that the Argentina international has excelled in Atlanta's possession based system.
Almada could also replace some of the goals and assists they may lose if Victor Osimhen and Kvicha Kvaratskhelia leave in the summer.
2. Sevilla
Moving over to Spain, La Liga could be a legitimate destination for Almada due to way most (not including Atletico Madrid) team play in the league: front foot, entertaining football with lots of flair.
It more than likely wouldn't take Almada long to settle since he speaks Spanish, coupled with the fellow Argentinians at Sevilla including Papu Gomez, Luis Ocampos, Marcos Acuna, Gonzalo Montiel and Erik Lamela. But could Sevilla afford him?
3. Newcastle United
Everyone knows the incredible transformation that has taken place at Newcastle under their new ownership and head coach Eddie Howe. With the financial backing that they have, they could definitely afford the transfer fee that the Five Stripes will command.
Almada's price tag is expected to break an outbound MLS transfer fee - when Atlanta sold Miguel Almiron to Newcastle for $26 million back in 2019. Now, he could lead the way in a midfield alongside Bruno Guimaraes.
4. Liverpool
It's no secret that Liverpool need reinforcements in their midfield. They need a breath of fresh air to kickstart their squad and Almada may be the answer for the Reds.
Liverpool's possession based system under Jurgen Klopp would cater to Almada, while he links up with fellow South American Darwin Nunez. But Almada could take a while to settle in England (same as if he went to Newcastle) as Almiron did after leaving Atlanta for the Premier League.
5. Benfica
Almada could move to Portuguese side Benfica.
Benfica could provide UEFA Champions League experience and further his development without the pressure of playing in the Premier League, Serie A or La Liga.
Almada also wouldn't be the only Argentine to make this move in hopes of moving to a top five league, following the footsteps of Argentina teammate Enzo Fernandez, who recently moved to Chelsea from Benfica last January. Benfica should be able to afford Almada given their recent player sales.
This article was originally published on 90min as Five possible future destinations for Atlanta United star Thiago Almada.