MLS could be set for yet another landmark transfer, with Atalanta United star Thiago Almada potentially heading for a record-breaking switch to Italian champions Napoli.
It has been an eventful summer so far stateside, with the announcement of the impending arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami having stunned the football world. More headlines may be in the offing in the coming weeks, however, due to the interest being shown in attacking midfielder Almada from clubs in Europe.
Currently, the Georgian side remains hopeful that the Argentina ace will stay at Mercedes-Benz Stadium until December, which would see him complete the season in the US. This said, interest in the 22-year-old could well ramp up during the European off-season, with Serie A victors Napoli harbouring an interest in the midfielder, as per the Athletic.
Following on from becoming the first active MLS player to win a World Cup back in 2022, the youngster has really kicked on and has already notched an impressive seven goals and eight assists in just 16 appearances so far this term for his club. Unsurprisingly, therefore, Almada is fast becoming one of the hottest properties in the league.
Under contract for a further two years, the Five Stripes is under no immediate pressure to cash in on its asset, with his form during the current campaign having almost single handedly driven the team up the Eastern Conference standings. Sitting in fifth place, Gonzalo Pineda's outfit looks set to finish in a play off place as it stands, with Almada's influence clear.
The prospect is in a good position to be crowned the league's MVP and if he were to be prized from Atlanta's grasps over the course of this summer, it is likely that he would command a record fee for an MLS player. The current record belongs to Miguel Almiron, who moved to Newcastle United for $27 million in 2019.
It has been a steady rise for the Argentinian youngster, who won the league's Newcomer of the Year Award last year after an impressive debut campaign in the US. In all, he bagged seven goals and as many assists across all competitions after signing for a league record $16 million from Vélez Sarsfield.
Only last year, the midfielder garnered plaudits from international talisman and football icon Messi, following his debut for his country — which incidentally made him the first ever MLS player to turn out for Argentina. It was clear that the incoming Inter Miami forward was impressed with a host of Almada's attributes, earmarking his pace and bravery as particular strengths.
The legendary seven time Ballon d'Or winner said back in September 2022: “Thiago is very fresh. He’s a very fast player who can play 1v1. He's clever and isn’t afraid of anything.”
