Botafogo’s 2024 season is over. After the Libertadores and Brasileirão titles, Alvinegro played in the quarterfinals of the Intercontinental Cup this Wednesday (11/12) and lost 3-0 to Pachuca (MEX), saying goodbye to the World Cup. After the match, Argentine midfielder Thiago Almada spoke clearly about the future.
One of Botafogo’s highlights of the season, Almada will not remain at the club until 2025. O Sporting News details the situation.
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What will be the future of Almada?
In June, Almada was acquired from Atlanta United (USA) for R$137.4 million. To date, the amount is the most expensive purchase of a Brazilian football club. In the agreement, however, it was stipulated that the midfielder would stay at Botafogo for only six months, despite having signed a contract until December 2029.
The agreement was that Almada would be transferred to Lyon, in France, a club that also belongs to John Textor, owner of SAF do Botafogo. Textor himself even declared, in July, that the Argentine would be a Lyon player in January 2025. However, the Libertadores title and qualification for the 2025 Club World Cup could weigh in favor of the Argentine’s possible retention until July. 2025.
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However, this Wednesday, Almada said goodbye to Botafogo. His destination, in fact, will be Lyon:
– The truth is that this group will stay forever throughout my career. I met a beautiful group. When I came to Botafogo, everything was already arranged to stay for six months and go to Lyon. I believe it will be fulfilled. I thank all the Botafogo fans for their love – said Almada, in an interview with “Cazé TV”.
Almada: goals, assists and titles for Botafogo
Almada scored three goals and provided two assists in 26 games for Botafogo, winning the Libertadores and Brasileirão titles.
