<p><strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/atlanta-united" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atlanta United</a></strong> took the term “rebuilding” and literally applied it; few <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mls" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MLS</a> </strong>clubs have done such a massive clearing of the roster as the Five Stripes have done this summer, selling three of its best players and possibly looking to offload more.</p>



<p>The days of <strong>Tata Martino</strong> and that MLS Cup are long gone; the club has fallen into mediocrity, and the rebuild under Garth Lagerwey has truly begun. After meager results, the team is now looking for a head coach and preparing to embark on the summer transfer window with a lot of roster flexibility.</p>



<p>Not only that, but Atlanta United is set to earn a transfer fee from a player who left the club more than two years ago. Here are the total transfer fees that Atlanta United is set to cash in on, </p>



<h2>Atlanta United’s Wild Summer Transfer Window</h2>



<p>According to Tom Bogert, the following players have been transferred or will be transferred in the coming days:</p>


<div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/soccer/lionel-messi-and-the-mls-all-star-game-roster"></div>


<ul><li><strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/thiago-almada" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thiago Almada</a></strong>, the only active MLS player to win the World Cup while in the league, has been sold to the Eagle Football Group and will go to Botafogo for six months before a move to France for a fee of $21 million plus $9 million in add-ons.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Disgruntled striker <strong>Giorgos Giakoumakis</strong> was sold to Liga MX side Cruz Azul for $10 million. All that remains is the signature and agreement for defender <strong>Caleb Wiley</strong>, 19, who will be sold to Chelsea for $11 million.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Out of the blue, former DP <strong>Esequiel Barco</strong> will be sold from River Plate to Spartak Moscow, with Atlanta United still set to receive $11 million from the sale of Barco from Atlanta United to River Plate, plus a sell-on fee received from his transfer from River Plate to Spartak Moscow.</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="572" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240708_BUS_142775_Esequiel-Barco-1024x572_ea506ad9.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=572" alt="" class="wp-image-18393" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Esequiel-Barco-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Esequiel-Barco-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Esequiel-Barco-768x429.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Esequiel-Barco.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Esequiel Barco of River Plate</figcaption></figure>


<div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/soccer/mls-2024-salaries-25-of-the-best-players-and-what-they-earn"></div>


<p>What approach Atlanta United will take remains to be seen, as the club may have put the era of big young signings being sold to Europe to rest in favor of more “MLS” win-now signings.</p>

Atlanta United set for blockbuster outgoing transfers 

Atlanta United makes summer sale, one of the highest in MLS history - Bolavip US

Atlanta United makes summer sale, one of the highest in MLS history

miniaturas

<p><strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/thiago-almada" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thiago Almada</a> </strong>is on the verge of a significant transfer to <strong>Brazil</strong>, which is expected to pave the way for a move to Europe. According to multiple sources, Almada is likely to join Botafogo in Brazil for six months before transferring to Olympique Lyon in January 2025.</p>



<p>This move is designed to help Almada transition from <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mls" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MLS</a></strong> football before his anticipated move to Europe. Almada may have already played his final MLS game on June 30th, potentially marking his departure as one of the league’s highest-profile outgoing transfers.</p>



<p>As <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/argentina" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Argentina</a></strong> prepares to face Ecuador in the quarterfinals on Thursday, Almada will not be part of the squad.</p>



<h2>When will Thiago Almada play for Argentina?</h2>







<p>Thiago Almada has made a name for himself as a standout performer for the Argentine U-23 team, earning a crucial role in their upcoming campaign at the Summer Olympics. His impressive form and contributions in the youth setup have solidified his position as a key player for Argentina, prompting Scaloni to prioritize his involvement in the Olympic squad over the Copa America.<br></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240703_BUS_140417_Thiago-Almada-1024x576_37224392.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-104482" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/Thiago-Almada-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/Thiago-Almada-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/Thiago-Almada-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/Thiago-Almada-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/Thiago-Almada.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Thiago Almada</figcaption></figure>



<p>This strategic decision underscores Almada’s importance to Argentina’s youth development program and his potential impact on the international stage. While Thiago Almada will not feature in the Copa America, his focus will be squarely on representing Argentina at the Summer Olympics.</p>


<div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/copa-america/why-is-gonzalo-plata-not-playing-for-ecuador-vs-argentina-in-copa-america-2024-quarterfinals"></div>

Why is Thiago Almada not playing for Argentina against Ecuador today in the Copa America 2024 quarterfinals?

Why is Thiago Almada not playing for Argentina against Ecuador today in the Copa America 2024 quarterfinals? - Bolavip US

<p>In a rarity for <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mls" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Major League Soccer</a></strong>, one of its biggest stars, <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/thiago-almada" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thiago Almada</a></strong>, will be sold not to a club, but to Eagle Football Holdings, a trend increasingly seen with conglomerates in the sport of soccer.</p>



<p><br>Almada’s time in MLS has been excellent, scoring 26 goals and providing 24 assists in 83 games. However, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/atlanta-united" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atlanta United</a> has been on a downward spiral since his arrival, and his sale marks the end of a major signing from South America who would later be sold era.<br></p>



<p>According to numerous sources, Almada will likely move to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/botafogo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Botafogo</a> in Brazil for six months before heading to Europe to join Olympique Lyon in January 2025. The move to Brazil is intended to transition Almada out of the MLS mold before his anticipated big move to Europe.<br></p>



<h2>Where does Almada’s transfer rank in MLS history?<br></h2>


<div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/soccer/mls-2024-salaries-25-of-the-best-players-and-what-they-earn"></div>


<p>Thiago Almada’s transfer from Atlanta United to Eagle Football Holdings could potentially reach a record fee in MLS history, likely in the $30 million range, consisting of $21 million plus $9 million in add-ons.<br></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240701_BUS_139237_Lionel-Messi-and-Thiago-Almada-1024x576_a04f798d.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Lionel Messi and Thiago Almada celebrate after the penalty shootout win during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final" class="wp-image-83538" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Lionel-Messi-and-Thiago-Almada-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Lionel-Messi-and-Thiago-Almada-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Lionel-Messi-and-Thiago-Almada-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Lionel-Messi-and-Thiago-Almada-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Lionel-Messi-and-Thiago-Almada.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi and Thiago Almada celebrate after the penalty shootout win during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final</figcaption></figure>



<p>The biggest previous transfers include Miguel Almiron, who moved from Atlanta United to Newcastle for $27 million outright, and Alphonso Davies, who went from the Vancouver Whitecaps to Bayern Munich for $22 million, including add-ons.<br></p>


<div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/copa-america/former-usmnt-matt-besler-on-the-difference-between-2014-squad-and-golden-generation"></div>


<p>Thiago Almada, an Argentine midfielder, is renowned for his exceptional dribbling skills, vision, and ability to create scoring opportunities.</p>

Lionel Messi World Cup teammate about to be sold for a huge transfer fee 

MLS: Thiago Almada huge transfer fee - Bolavip US

Thiago Almada set to be the most expensive outgoing transfer in MLS history


<p>Atlanta United midfielder <strong>Thiago Almada</strong> voiced his support for <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a></strong> after the 36-year-old won his eighth <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ballon-d%27or">Ballon d’Or</a></strong> award. Speaking to Argentine journalist Gaston Edul on Twitch, the 22-year-old <strong>defended Leo from the critics over his recent success.</strong></p>



<p><em>“<strong>There will always be some comments that want to be on TV. We all know he is the best in the world and he deserved it,</strong>“</em> Almada said. Only a few months ago, the Velez Sarsfield product celebrated Argentina’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup">World Cup</a> victory with Leo at Qatar 2022.</p>



<p>Almada was one of the 26 players called up by Lionel Scaloni for the memorable tournament, in which Messi made a strong case to win the Ballon d’Or. With <strong>seven goals in as many games</strong>, the Rosario-born star was instrumental in La Albiceleste’s third World Cup title.</p>



<p>But while many believe that’s enough to name him the best player of the season, others think the result is unfair. Almada didn’t clarify who he was referring to, but outside Argentina, many questioned Messi’s triumph.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231107_BUS_83533_Lionel-Messi-and-Thiago-Almada-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Lionel Messi and Thiago Almada celebrate after the penalty shootout win during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final" class="wp-image-83538" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Lionel-Messi-and-Thiago-Almada-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Lionel-Messi-and-Thiago-Almada-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Lionel-Messi-and-Thiago-Almada-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Lionel-Messi-and-Thiago-Almada-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Lionel-Messi-and-Thiago-Almada.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi and Thiago Almada celebrate after the penalty shootout win during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Messi admits Haaland could’ve also won</h2>



<p>In his Ballon d’Or acceptance speech, Messi recognized what Erling Haaland did with Manchester City throughout the season. In fact, the Argentine captain said the Norwegian striker could have also won the Ballon d’Or this year.</p>


<div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#20231106#BUS#83387"></div>


<p>“<em>As I said, he deserved it very much too. Erling has won Premier League and Champions League while being the top scorer of everything. <strong>This award could have been yours today too, so I’m sure for the next years you will win it</strong>,</em>” Messi said.</p>



<p>Haaland was seen as the biggest rival in Messi’s pursuit for the 2023 Ballon d’Or as he recorded an impressive 52 goals for the Citizens last season. Besides, he played a key role in the club’s first-ever treble (winning the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup).</p>



<h2>Messi thinks this may have been his last Ballon d’Or</h2>



<p>Having won the biggest trophies at stake at 36, Messi feels satisfied with everything he’s accomplished so far. Now that he’s enjoying a different chapter in his career with Inter Miami in MLS, Leo <strong>understands that winning another Ballon d’Or may not be on the cards</strong>.</p>


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="654a8c50f2b571abd7e4795b" data-title="Will Messi win another Ballon d\&apos;Or?" data-options="2"></div>


<p>“<em>If I dream of a 9th Ballon d’Or? No, no, I stopped thinking about the Ballon d’Or a while ago. <strong>Winning it was never a priority for me, especially now that I have achieved everything in my career. I think it’s the last Ballon d’Or</strong> and I’m happy to have achieved everything and be the player with 8 Ballon d’Ors,”</em> he told<em> L’Equipe</em>.</p>


Argentine teammate defends Messi's 2023 Ballon d'Or win against detractors

Thiago Almada defends Lionel Messi's 2023 Ballon d'Or win against detractors - Bolavip US

Thiago Almada defends Lionel Messi's 2023 Ballon d'Or win against detractors


<p><strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a></strong> became the face of <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mls">Major League Soccer</a></strong> from the moment he joined <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/inter-miami">Inter Miami</a></strong>. With his decision to leave Europe for the US, many started to debate whether Leo or <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a></strong> is playing in the better league.</p>



<p>The Portuguese superstar, who has been the subject of comparisons with Messi for a long time, also decided to leave the Old Continent this year, joining <strong>Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr in January.</strong></p>



<p>Many superstars have followed in Ronaldo’s footsteps by taking their talents to the Gulf State, which is why the 38-year-old is not even among the most valuable players in the <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/saudi-pro-league">Saudi Pro League</a></strong>. But in <strong>MLS</strong>, he <strong>would be the third most expensive star</strong> behind Messi and another Argentine player.</p>



<h2>Thiago Almada is the only MLS player apart from Messi worth more than Ronaldo</h2>



<p>According to <em>Transfermarkt</em>, Cristiano Ronaldo’s market value is <strong>15 million euros</strong>. Valued at <strong>€35 million</strong>, Lionel Messi is the most expensive player in Major League Soccer, followed by <strong>Thiago Almada</strong>, whose worth is <strong>€27m</strong>.</p>



<p>The Argentine stars, who were part of the 2022 World Cup-winning team, are <strong>the only MLS players who are more valuable than Ronaldo</strong>. Austin FC star Sebastian Driussi, meanwhile, is also worth €15 million.</p>


<div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#20230901#BUS#55660"></div>


<h2>How much does Ronaldo make a year?</h2>



<p>Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly makes <strong>€200 million a year</strong> at Al-Nassr.</p>


The only MLS player besides Messi who is more valuable than Ronaldo

The only MLS player besides Messi who is more valuable than Ronaldo - Bolavip US

<p>There is a party going on in Naples and that is because <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/napoli" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Napoli</a> </strong>is close to winning their third <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/serie-a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Serie A</a>title in their history. While the Southern Italian club almost won their title over the weekend, they will need a win against Udinese on Thursday to clinch the elusive title.</p>
<p>Nonetheless Napoli is still thinking about next season and the team coached by Luciano Spalletti has a 22-year-old creative midfielder in their sights. That player is Atlanta United’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/mls-top-10-most-expensive-incoming-transfers-20210211-0009.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Thiago Almada</strong></a>, who has been tearing up <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mls" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Major League Soccer</a> in 2023.</p>
<p><span></span> </p>
<div class="ck-related-news">  <span data-src="/usa/contenidos/2023/04/30/noticia_0009.html" data-type="news"></span>  <p></p>
<div id="relatedNews-27">     </div>
<p></p></div>
<p></p>
<p>Almada has already won a World Cup and scored for the Argentine national team since his move to MLS and in 2023 has 4 goals in 6 games and is tied for fourth in assists with 5.</p>
<h2>Napoli after Thiago Almada</h2>
<p>According to Fichajes.Net, Napoli have been following Thiago Almada for some time now and see the Argentine as a big upgrade for the squad come next season.<strong> According to sources Almada would command a transfer fee between $30- 40 million.</strong></p>
<p><span></span> </p>
<div class="ck-related-news">  <span data-src="/usa/contenidos/2021/02/11/noticia_0009.html" data-type="news"></span>  <p></p>
<div id="relatedNews-15">     </div>
<p></p></div>
<p></p>
<p>Almada has been a huge success case for MLS, already coming in as a big prospect via Velez Sarsfield in Argentina, in his two seasons in MLS Almada has 11 goals in 37 games. Almada was seen as a short-term big signing by Atlanta United and it looks very difficult that Napoli will agree to allow the youngster to stay until the end of the 2023 MLS season and will try to move him in the summer.</p>
<p><strong>For MLS, a fee in the range of $30 million would make Almada the biggest outgoing sale in league history.</strong></p>

Napoli keen on signing Argentina World Cup winner

Napoli keen on signing Argentina World Cup winner - Bolavip US

<p><strong>Jorge Sampaoli</strong> is the back at Sevilla and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/why-does-joan-laporta-barcelona-president-has-a-bruise-on-his-eye-20220828-0022.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LaLiga</a> after coaching <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/lionel-messi-on-argentina-prior-to-world-cup-other-teams-are-above-us-20221006-0019.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Argentina</a>, Santos, Atlético Mineiro, and Marseille along the way. The 62-year-old Argentine had a terrible run with Argentina at the 2018 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/fifa-world-cup-25-under-the-radar-heroes-q22-20220901-0025.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Cup</a> but got his career back on track with Santos and later Marseille.</p>
<p>Sevilla on the other hand has seen better days, they sit one spot above the relegation zone and have a 1-2-4 record so far this season. <strong>Julen Lopetegui was sacked as a result of the poor run of form and Sampaoli is back to take the proud club up the standings.</strong></p>
<p>Help could be on Sevilla’s way as Sampaoli could look towards <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/diego-valeri-end-of-an-era-in-mls-and-portland-timbers-for-the-best-argentine-player-in-league-history-20220111-0002.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Major League Soccer</a> for his first major signing. According to Felipe Cárdenas, Sevilla could look at Atlanta United midfielder <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/mls-top-10-most-expensive-incoming-transfers-20210211-0009.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Thiago Almada</a>.</p>
<h2>Thiago Almada to Sevilla?</h2>
<p>According to Cárdenas, Almada was a target of Sampaoli during his Olympique Marseille days and could be a target again come the winter transfer window.<strong> The 21-year-old is coming off a solid first season for Atlanta United, being one of the club’s few bright spots.</strong></p>
<p></p>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="412" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:412" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20221007_BUS_202207_thiago_almada_crop1665170537033.jpg_22069893_aec59289.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=412" width="740" height="412"></figure><figcaption>    Thiago Almada (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)   </figcaption></figure>
<p></p></div>
<p>Almada had 6 goals and 6 assists in 28 matches for the team. Starting off slow but catching on as the season progressed. The silky midfielder earned his first cap with the Argentine national team in September, and it is reported that the Argentine coaching staff see him as a player for the future and they have a desire to see him in Europe sooner rather than later.</p>
<p><strong>Thiago Almada was purchased from Vélez Sarsfield in January for $16 million, Atlanta United is expecting a transfer fee in the $25-30 million range.</strong></p>
<p><span></span> </p>
<div class="ck-related-news">  <span data-src="/usa/contenidos/2022/10/07/noticia_0024.html" data-type="news"></span>  <p></p>
<div id="relatedNews-52">     </div>
<p></p></div><p></p>

LaLiga: Jorge Sampaoli has first major signing in sight for Sevilla?

LaLiga: Jorge Sampaoli has first major signing in sight for Sevilla? - Bolavip US

<p><strong>Thiago Almada</strong> is the highest incoming transfer ever paid by a <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/mls-2022-preview-5-teams-with-5-burning-questions-20220209-0031.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Major League Socce</a>r team for a player. In fact, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/how-mls-conferences-will-align-in-2022-20211105-0008.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Atlanta United</a> has the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/mls-top-10-most-expensive-incoming-transfers-20210211-0009.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">top 3 spots</a> when it comes to incoming transfers.</p>
<p><strong>While Thiago Almada is a talented 20-year-old attacking midfielder who is considered one of Argentine soccer’s top prospects</strong> he also comes with some unwanted baggage. A sexual allegation and an infamous goal celebration that fans took offense to.</p>
<p>Almada was the subject of a sexual assault case back in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/diego-valeri-end-of-an-era-in-mls-and-portland-timbers-for-the-best-argentine-player-in-league-history-20220111-0002.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Argentina</a>, for which the deal to bring the talented midfielder to Atlanta United was pushed back almost a year, while the case was on going. Also, the midfielder celebrated a goal by holding his hands to his face and imitating an Asian gesture, something that has caused backlash from Atlanta United fans. <strong>Now both the club and the player have addressed the incident.</strong></p>
<h2>Thiago Almada and Darren Eales speak on allegations and goal celebration</h2>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="412" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:412" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20220210_BUS_184194_thiago_almada_x1x_crop1644524519792.jpg_22069893_38478a32.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=412" width="740" height="412"></figure><figcaption>    Thiago Almada (Getty Images)   </figcaption></figure>
<p></p></div>
<p>During a press conference to greet the Atlanta media the young midfielder addressed both situations stating,<strong> “I can’t talk about the (sexual) investigation because of those involved. Regarding the goal celebration at Vélez, I apologize (to the fans), and I know that it’s unacceptable. I know what Atlanta United is as an organization and I’m proud to be here.”</strong></p>
<p><span></span></p>
<div style="text-align:center">
<div class="ck-twitter" id="twitter-71">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thiago Almada to reporters:</p>
<p> “I can’t talk about the investigation because of those involved. Regarding the goal celebration at Vélez, I apologize (to the fans) and I know that it’s unacceptable. I know what ATLUTD is as an organization and I’m proud to be here.” <a href="https://t.co/YQlYRi7MH8">pic.twitter.com/YQlYRi7MH8</a></p>
<p> — Felipe Cárdenas (@FelipeCar)    <a href="https://twitter.com/FelipeCar/status/1491858646208327680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2022</a>   </p></blockquote></div>
<p>      <span class="item first"></span>   <span class="item second"></span>   <span class="item third"></span>  </p></div>
<p></p></div>
<p>Darren Eales has doubled down on the sentiments of the allegations and celebration by stating, <em>“We’ve done the due diligence over a number of months off the pitch… We worked with MLS the whole way through this and we took the step we did. We accept there is a swirl of discussion going around, there will always be different views. We recognize that and accept that. Thiago recognizes there’s a higher standard here. We believe he’s going to develop, learn and be educated.”</em> In regard to the sexual allegations Eales stated that the case <em><strong>“ended up with no charges or interrogation.”</strong></em></p>
<p><span></span></p>
<div class="ck-related-news">  <span data-src="/usa/contenidos/2022/02/10/noticia_0020.html" data-type="news"></span>  <p></p>
<div id="relatedNews-73">     </div>
<p></p></div><p></p>