Comes from Velez Sarsfield
Major League Soccer’s new record transfer is now finally confirmed. Thiago Almada is moving to Atlanta United and has signed a contract until the end of 2025. Vélez Sarsfield, who announced a deal on December 3, will receive 16 million US dollars (around 14.5 million euros) for 100 percent of the economic rights to the Player. Atlanta also booked the previously most expensive signing of an MLS club when Pity Martínez was brought from River Plate in 2019 for US$ 15.95 million.
Almada, Chicharito & Co.: The most expensive MLS additions in history
20 Facundo Torres | 21/22 from Peñarol to Orlando City | €6.82 million
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As of February 9, 2022
18 Lucas Zelarayán | 19/20 from Tigres UANL to Columbus Crew | €7.27 million
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18 Talles Magno | 20/21 from Vasco da Gama to NYCFC | €7.27 million
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17 Miguel Almiron | 16/17 by Lanús to Atlanta United | €7.5m
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16 Alexandru Mitrita | 18/19 from CS U Craiova to NYCFC | €8 million
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14 Matías Pellegrini | 19/20 by Estudiantes to Inter Miami | €8.2m
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14 Clint Dempsey | 13/14 Tottenham to Seattle Sounders | €8.2m
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13 Chicharito | 19/20 from Sevilla FC to LA Galaxy | €8.5m
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12 Alan Pulido | 19/20 from Chivas to Sporting KC | €8.6m
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8 Michael Bradley | 13/14 from AS Roma to Toronto FC | €9.1m
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8 Jermain Defoe | 13/14 Tottenham to Toronto FC | €9.1m
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8 Brian Fernández | 18/19 from Club Necaxa to Portland Timbers | €9.1m
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8 Alejandro Pozuelo | 18/19 from KRC Genk to Toronto FC | €9.1m
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7 Brian Rodríguez | 19/20 from Peñarol to LAFC | €10.5 million
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6 Rodolfo Pizarro | 19/20 from CF Monterrey to Inter Miami | €10.9 million
© InterMiami CF
5 Luiz Araujo | 21/22 from LOSC Lille to Atlanta United | €10.9 million
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4 burners | 20/21 from FC Sao Paulo to FC Cincinnati | €11.8m
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3 Ezequiel Barco | 17/18 by Independiente to Atlanta United | €12.3 million
© Katie Gillen/Atlanta United
2 Gonzalo Martinez | 18/19 from River Plate to Atlanta United | €14.5m
© Atlanta United F.C
1 Thiago Almada | 21/22 from Vélez to Atlanta United | €14.55m
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Signing up for Almadas faced significant obstacles. Atlanta United had had a pre-agreement with Vélez since December, but lacked the financial leeway in terms of salary cap to sign the attacking midfielder. The club then loaned Esequiel Barco to River Plate – a transfer that opened up the necessary designated player spot (outside the team cap) in the Atlanta squad. Additionally, Almada faced legal issues in his native Argentina, which have since been resolved, finally clearing the playmaker’s transfer to MLS.
With Almada, Atlanta United now has the most valuable player in the MLS. The 20-year-old has a market value of €20m, well above his new team-mate Josef Martínez, who has been the most valuable player in the North American elite league with a market value of €12.5m.
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