Benfica swoop for Lyon’s Thiago Almada | OneFootball

According to a report from Gianluca Di Marzio, SL Benfica are interested in trying to take Thiago Almada (24) from Olympique Lyonnais this summer.

Di Marzio writes that Benfica are in negotiations with Eagle Football Holdings and sent an opening bid of €35 million. However, he reports that this was rejected and that the Portuguese side are now preparing a new offer valued at around €40 million.

There is pressure on Lyon to sell their assets this summer, with the club facing the prospect of an administrative relegation to Ligue 2 due to financial troubles. Lyon reportedly need to place €100 million in their accounts before tomorrow’s appeal.

Almada joined Lyon during the winter transfer window from sister club Botafogo. During his six months in France, the 2022 World Cup winner made 20 appearances (four of which came in the UEFA Europa League), scoring twice and assisting five.

Almada briefly returned on loan to Botafogo for the FIFA Club World Cup, making a substitute appearance in the Brazilian team’s exit from the competition at the hands of Pachuca.

GFFN | Nick Hartland