Lionel Messi's World Cup-winning team-mate Thiago Almada set to leave MLS in January as Atlanta United star makes 'dream' transfer admission amid Ajax links

The 22-year-old midfielder formed part of Argentina’s triumphant squad at Qatar 2022, before going on to enjoy a productive 2023 campaign at club level. Almada has registered 11 goals and 16 assists for Atlanta United this season, helping them into the play-offs.

Almada has also been named MLS Young Player of the Year, with his stock continuing to soar a long way outside of the United States. Opportunities to expand his horizons will be put to the exciting playmaker at the end of the year, when the domestic season in America comes to a close, and a new challenge may be sought in the January transfer window of 2024.

Almada has told TyC Sports of his plans for the immediate future: “I want to finish the season first and then think about the future. In January I will look at what my options are. It is my dream to play in Europe and I hope it comes true.”

Dutch giants Ajax were heavily linked with Almada over the summer, before eventually signing Georges Mikautadze from Metz, and more heavyweight outfits from across Europe are expected to shoot admiring glances in the South American’s direction as he continues to unlock his full potential.