Newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a move for Bayern Munich midfielder, Thiago Alcantara.
The former Barcelona player has been with the German giants since 2013, and signed for the club under current Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
Sport Bild have reported that the Brazilian wants to make a move to another big European club, and that Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp likes the player. The report further states that Thiago was offered a new deal by Bayern Munich a few weeks ago, which he has reportedly rejected.
The Brazilian has made 230 appearances for the side, registering 31 goals and 37 assists. He has won the Bundesliga seven times with Bayern, adding to the two league titles he won with Barcelona in Spain.
Thiago Alcantara to Liverpool – Another smashing midfield option?
Thiago is a supremely talented and gifted midfielder, who has the flair of Brazilian playmakers with his quick dribbling and close control, while possessing the measured passing of Spanish midfielders.
The 29-year-old rarely gives away the ball in the middle of the park. He managed a pass completion rate of 90.5% per game in the Bundesliga this season, while registering an average of 74.9 passes per game. He also averaged 3 dribbles per game in the recently concluded Bundesliga.
Capable of playing as a central midfielder or defensive midfielder, the Brazilian also contributes defensively. He is quick to nip in and intercept passes, while he also likes to tackle and make blocks in the middle of the park.
While he may not have the presence or strength of other defensive midfielders, he makes up for it with his awareness and positioning.
Thiago would be a fantastic addition to Jürgen Klopp’s side and would give the German manager a lot of options in midfielder. James Milner will turn 35 next year and will probably contribute in Cup games, while Adam Lallana is set to leave the club when his contract expires.
Although Curtis Jones will see more playing time, Thiago could come into the side as an option in multiple roles, be it as a second option to Fabinho, or further forward in central midfield.
His addition would further add depth to the Liverpool midfield, which is already pretty strong, and put them in a commanding position to defend their crown next season.
Stats via whoscored