Atlanta United breaks MLS transfer record again with sale of Thiago Almada

Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Atlanta United to receive “MLS record” $21 million – and that total could rise to $30 million if incentives are met – for sale of MF Thiago Almada to Brazilian club Botafogo. The $21 million fee surpasses the previous record – also set by Atlanta United – when it sold MF Miguel Almiron Premier League club Newcastle United acquired Almada for a base fee of $19 million ahead of the 2019 season. Under MLS rules, “95% of the proceeds from Almada’s transfer may be reinvested by Atlanta United in its search for another Designated Player.” Almada is the only active MLS player to be part of a World Cup-winning team, as he was with 2022 World Cup champions Argentina in Qatar. Atlanta United acquired Almada for an estimated $16 million from Argentinian club Velez Sarsfield ahead of the 2022 season (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 7/6).