L’Équipe reports that Thiago Almada, the 24-year-old attacking midfielder, is edging closer to a permanent move to Portuguese club SL Benfica rather than extending his loan spell at Olympique Lyonnais. Almada spent the second half of last season on loan at Lyon, arriving from his parent club Botafogo without a transfer fee. Over the course of that loan, he made 20 appearances for the French side, including four matches in the UEFA Europa League, contributing two goals and five assists. Despite this, it seems his next step will not be a return to France.
Benfica enters negotiations for majority economic rights
Benfica have reportedly initiated talks for a transfer valued around €28 million, which would secure 60% of Almada’s economic rights. The player’s camp is optimistic about the prospect of relocating to Portugal, viewing it as a more straightforward environment for Almada’s development. Moreover, Benfica’s participation in the Champions League third qualifying round—where they will join teams like OGC Nice—provides an attractive competitive platform that Lyon cannot currently offer.
Implications for Lyon and financial considerations
On the sporting front, a permanent departure of Almada would be a setback for Lyon, especially following the loss of creative talent Rayan Cherki. However, the financial aspect offers a silver lining for the French club. According to L’Équipe, any transfer completed by Benfica or another European team would result in Lyon receiving compensation as stipulated in the agreement connected to Almada’s initial move to Botafogo, expected to be triggered in 2024. This arrangement provides Lyon with a financial benefit, balancing the loss of the player’s on-field contributions.
