Argentine midfielder Thiago Almada confirmed on Wednesday that he will leave Botafogo following the club's elimination from the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
Almada will join French Ligue 1 side Lyon in January 2025 as part of a transfer facilitated by Eagle Football Holdings, which owns both clubs. The 23-year-old arrived at Botafogo from Atlanta United in July under a deal that included provisions for his move to Europe.
"The truth is that this group will stay with me forever throughout my career," Almada told Brazilian media after the Rio de Janeiro club's 3-0 loss to Mexico's Pachuca in Doha.
"I met a wonderful group. When I came to Botafogo, everything had already been agreed that I would stay for six months and then go to Lyon. I thank all the Botafogo fans for their support."
Almada was an impressive addition to Botafogo's squad this year, helping the side to the Brazilian Serie A title and the Copa Libertadores trophy.