Who is Thiago Almada? The MLS-bound ‘next Messi’ courted by Man Utd

Nicholas Hughes

• Updated: 22 Nov 2021 07:24 CST
• 12 min read

Thiago Almada has been making moves in Argentina and is set to take the next steps in developing a successful future in football.

Since breaking through at Velez as a teenager, Almada has gone from strength to strength and has been a target of some major European clubs.

Trending

Liverpool star to permanently replace Mbappe as France captain

Premier League managers: Full list of current bosses

Which football managers have been sacked this season?

A favourite for many Football Manager players, Almada is set for a move to Atlanta United in the MLS in 2022, and that could be the first of a number of higher profile transfers that he makes.

With an intriguing path now taking him to the United States, Almada’s progress will be one to keep an eye on in the future as he continues to be touted for big things.

What position does Thiago Almada play in?

Thiago Almada plays as a No.10, adept at scoring and creating goals. He can also play in wide forward roles.

How good is Thiago Almada?

Being called the next Lionel Messi would give a fair indication of the talent and promise shown by a young player.

After making his debut as a teenager, Almada very quickly became a first-team regular at Velez in the Argentine first division.

He also very quickly debuted for the Argentinian youth teams, playing seven times for the Under 20 side before moving on to the Under 23’s. In 2021, he made two appearances at the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

He received his first call-up to the Argentina national team in 2021, but failed to make his debut during his first camp with the team.

As an attacking midfield player, his first thought on the ball is always how he can create a chance for either himself or one of his teammates to score.

He is a gifted dribbler and an exceptional passer, but he also has brilliant quality to finish himself in front of goal, capable of using either foot and shooting from distance.

Almada is an intelligent mover on and off the ball, arriving in the right spaces at the right times to make things happen going forward.

In his first 96 club games as of November 2021, he contributed 35 goals and assists, going at better than one every three games.

Given his position and his relative age and inexperience, Almada’s early numbers have been extremely impressive, and his potential for further development is quite significant.

Which clubs are interested in Thiago Almada?

Manchester United have long thought to be suitors of Almada and are likely to be monitoring his progress as he transitions into the MLS.

United’s major rivals and Premier League competitors Liverpool and Manchester City have also both been linked as Almada has risen through the ranks.

Away from England, Spanish giants Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have been keeping a close eye on Almada.

But for now, Atlanta United have secured his future for the short term at least, and Almada will look to impress in America before potentially moving to Europe.

When does Thiago Almada’s contract expire?

While Almada’s contract at Velez was running until June 2023, his new deal at Atlanta won’t expire until December 2026.

It is believed Almada earns around €23,000 per week at Velez, and he will likely have a similar salary in the US.

How old is Thiago Almada?

Almada was born on April 26 2001, making him 20 years old.

What is Thiago Almada’s height?

Almada is around 171cm tall, or five-feet-six-inches.

What is Thiago Almada’s weight?

Almada is believed to weigh around 62kg.

What football boots does Thiago Almada wear?

Almada wears Nike Mercurial Vapor football boots.

What is Thiago Almada’s Instagram?

Almada has 245k followers on Instagram as of November 2021.

Who is Thiago Almada’s girlfriend?

Almada is not known to be publicly dating anyone.