Sometimes, the allure of a bigger paycheck isn’t enough. Thiago Almada, the talented Argentine midfielder, seems to be proving this point. A hefty offer from Zenit recently landed on the table, a direct €35 million payment to Botafogo. The Russian club hoped this would seal the deal for the 24-year-old international. However, Almada has his sights set elsewhere. He is clearly drawn to Benfica’s vision and long-term plans.
This strong preference isn’t accidental. It comes from a powerful source: trust. Nicolas Otamendi, Benfica’s captain and a key figure for Argentina’s national team, has played a big part. He spoke with Almada, sharing insights about the club. This conversation truly convinced Almada about the move. But Otamendi wasn’t the only one offering advice. Nemanja Matic, who shared the field with Almada at Lyon in the second half of last season, also encouraged him to join the Portuguese giants. When respected teammates speak, especially those who know the environment, players listen.
Benfica, it turns out, is working on a different kind of deal. They are looking to acquire a share of Almada’s playing rights. Their offer currently stands at €26 million for 60% of the attacking midfielder’s economic rights. This situation highlights that even in a world of huge transfer fees, a club’s project and the personal connections between players often hold immense weight. This information was reported by Record.