Former MLS superstar embroiled in TRANSFER BAN controversy
Olympique Lyon attacker Thiago Almada finds himself embroiled in a transfer controversy after his move from Botafogo.
The Argentine World Cup winner, who previously starred for Atlanta United in Major League Soccer and was, at one point, the league’s most expensive signing, left the Five Stripes last summer for Botafogo in a lucrative deal potentially worth up to €27.6 million with bonuses included.
When he joined the Brazilian side, it was already an open secret that he was really a future signing for Lyon, who are also owned by eccentric Eagle Football boss John Textor.
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Hilariously, Textor previously claimed that he snapped up Almada because a fan on X told him that he was a good player and that he should look to sign him.
Almada helped Botafogo win their first-ever Copa Libertadores and their third national championship before linking up with Lyon last month. The problem? The Ligue 1 club have a transfer ban.
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This transfer ban is now the source of major controversy in France. Lyon famously received this punishment, as well as a provisional relegation to Ligue 2, by French football’s financial watchdog, the DNCG, due to the club’s dire economic situation.
However, Eagle Football managed to circumvent the prohibition by simply loaning Almada from Botafogo to Lyon for free. France’s football governing body and the DNCG both approved the deal, but rival clubs are understandably outraged.
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Almada has already made three appearances for Lyon but two of the three clubs he has faced – Toulouse and Reims – have lodged official appeals, claiming that the 23-year-old should not be allowed to play given the dodgy circumstances surrounding his signing.
So far, there have been no consequences for Lyon or Almada, who has played 46 minutes across three substitute appearances. However, L’Equipe expects more clubs to voice their disapproval, so this story could yet turn ugly.
