The unpresentable Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia took advantage of his closeness to the player and recommended another destination to play in Argentine football
River completed one of the most important moves in the transfer market with the signing of Thiago Almada. The 25-year-old player arrived in the country, signed his contract with the Millonario until December 31, 2030, and subsequently joined the team's training at River Camp in Ezeiza.
The Núñez institution will pay 20 million euros to acquire the player from Atlético de Madrid. In this way, Almada became the highest transfer ever made by River and also the most expensive transfer completed by a club in Argentine football.
River won the battle against Flamengo
Almada's arrival required several efforts from River's management, which had to compete directly with Flamengo. The Brazilian team had also shown interest in the player and had made a significant financial proposal.
However, the Millonario ended up securing the world champion, who has now begun a new chapter in his career in Argentine football.
River fans angry on social media
In the midst of the negotiation, another name emerged that generated controversy: Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association.
The version about Claudio Tapia's intervention
According to information attributed to sources close to the negotiations, Tapia allegedly intervened during the process to try to persuade Almada to choose Boca instead of River.
According to that version, the head of the AFA reportedly contacted the player when the negotiation between River and Atlético de Madrid was already advanced and suggested that he join the Xeneize.
The relationship between Tapia and Almada is well-known. The AFA president has a close relationship with the player and also with his sons, Matías and Iván Tapia, the latter being a footballer and president of Barracas Central.
During the World Cup held in the United States, Tapia even shared photos with Almada drinking mate at the Argentine National Team's training camp.
