Why Lyon’s Thiago Almada could return for brief stint at Botafogo | OneFootball

From Botafogo to Olympique Lyonnais, then back to Botafogo and then finally, back to Lyon once more: that could be the path taken by Thiago Almada (23).

The Argentina international joined OL from Botafogo in January on a loan deal until the end of the season despite the Ligue 1 side being under a transfer embargo. He took a little bit of time to adapt at the Groupama Stadium, however, he has now found his rhythm and notably put in a standout performance against OGC Nice before the international break.

Almada will be looking to finish the season strongly at Lyon and guide the club to UEFA Champions League qualification. In the long term, he is seen as the successor to Rayan Cherki, the OL academy product who looks destined to depart his formative club this summer.

However, Almada could yet return for a brief stint in Brazil. Botafogo, like OL, are owned by John Textor and with the former competing in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer, the idea is to allow the playmaker to compete in the tournament, upon the expiry of his loan at Lyon, before then making his move to the Ligue 1 side permanent, L’Équipe report.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle