Thiago Almada draws closer to Benfica transfer than new Lyon loan | OneFootball

According to a report from L’Équipe, Thiago Almada (24) is moving closer to a move to SL Benfica than a fresh loan at Olympique Lyonnais.

The midfielder was sent on a free loan to Lyon last winter from sister club Botafogo, where he made 20 appearances for the club (four of which came in the UEFA Europa League), scoring twice and assisting five. However, it appears as if his future is moving away from France.

A new loan is reportedly under consideration, but Benfica are in the mix, and they have opened talks of a deal worth €28m for 60% of the player’s economic rights. Almada is open to the move to Portugal, with his entourage encouraged by a less complicated environment. Benfica also has the added benefit of offering a route into the Champions League, with the Portuguese side entering the third qualifying round (alongside OGC Nice).

A transfer to Portugal would be bad for Lyon on the field as they have already lost the creativity of Rayan Cherki, but they would gain financially. L’Équipe writes that a transfer by Benfica or another European side would see Lyon receive the money as part of his agreement in joining Botafogo in 2024.

GFFN | Nick Hartland