In the high-stakes world of football transfers, where financial muscle often dictates player destinations, a notable situation is unfolding involving Argentine international Thiago Almada. The talented midfielder finds himself at the center of a transfer tussle, reportedly drawing significant attention from both Portuguese giants Benfica and Russian club Zenit St. Petersburg.
Zenit has reportedly tabled a substantial offer, understood to be in the region of €35 million, in an attempt to lure Almada to Russia. This figure represents a considerable investment for the player.
However, reports indicate that despite the financial allure of Zenit`s proposal, Almada`s personal preference leans strongly towards a move to Lisbon to join Benfica. This stance is said to be the result of persuasive conversations with two figures well-known to Benfica supporters and recently connected with Almada: Nicolas Otamendi and Nemanja Matic.
Otamendi, the veteran Argentine defender and current Benfica captain, along with Matic, the Serbian midfielder and former Benfica player who recently had a spell at Lyon where he reportedly coincided with Almada, have apparently played a key role in convincing their former teammate of the merits of the Benfica project and life at the Estádio da Luz.
Benfica`s proposed terms for securing Almada`s services are reported to be different from Zenit`s outright bid. The Portuguese club is said to be pursuing a deal valued around €26 million, which would secure 60% of the player`s economic rights. This structure, while common in Portuguese football transfers, underscores the player`s willingness to potentially prioritize a sporting project and personal preference over the highest immediate financial gain offered by Zenit.
While Almada is understood to have given his personal approval to a transfer to Benfica, the final hurdle remains the agreement from his current ownership. The player`s rights are reportedly held by Eagle Football Holdings, a group led by American businessman John Textor, which also has stakes in clubs such as Botafogo, Olympique Lyonnais, and Crystal Palace. Convincing this complex ownership structure to sanction the transfer to Benfica is the crucial step needed to finalize the move.
The coming days are expected to shed more light on this intriguing transfer saga, demonstrating whether player preference and historical club connections can indeed triumph over a more financially robust offer in the intricate dance of the football transfer market.
