Al Ahli has opened negotiations with Atletico Madrid for a €30 million move for Thiago Almada, the Saudi Pro League club confirmed through football intermediaries. The deal would bring the Argentine attacking midfielder to the Gulf state as part of a broader push to reshape the global player market.
Price tag and player profile
The €30 million fee would represent a significant outlay for Almada, who signed for Atletico Madrid from MLS side Atlanta United earlier this year. The 23-year-old has yet to make a competitive appearance for the Spanish club but remains highly regarded for his technical ability and creativity in the final third.
Saudi strategic investment
Al Ahli's pursuit of Almada fits into Saudi Arabia's wider strategy of injecting top-tier talent into its domestic league. The kingdom has already attracted stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar, and the Almada negotiation signals that the appetite for young, high-potential players hasn't cooled. The move could further shift how European clubs value their assets, with Saudi offers often exceeding market rates.
This isn't just about one player. The steady stream of Saudi interest in European-based footballers is beginning to alter transfer dynamics globally. Clubs now face the choice of selling at a premium or holding onto players who might otherwise stay in Europe.
Almada's potential transfer would also give Al Ahli a creative engine in midfield, a role the club has prioritized in its recent spending spree. The team finished sixth last season and is looking to close the gap on league leaders Al Hilal and Al Nassr.
For now, the talks remain in early stages. No formal bid has been submitted, and Atletico Madrid has not signaled whether it is willing to part with a player it only recently added to its squad. The Spanish side paid around $20 million for Almada in January, so the €30 million offer would represent a quick profit.
The next step is for Al Ahli to submit a written offer. If accepted, Almada would become the latest Argentine talent to trade La Liga for the Saudi Pro League.
