Liverpool were expected to have a quiet transfer window, but a reported move for Bayern Munich’s Thiago Alcantara has become a bit of a saga.
A story from Independent claims that Liverpool are in advanced talks over a move for the midfielder, who is valued at around £30 million.
Thiago has just a year left on his current deal in Germany, and has a brilliant season for Bayern Munich so far this season. He could leave the club as a treble winner if the German side win the Champions League final against PSG.
Thiago Alcantara – One of the best midfielders in the game
Thiago started his senior career with Barcelona along with brother Rafinha but managed just 68 senior appearances in his four years in Spain. He moved to Bayern Munich in 2013 and slowly established himself as a crucial part of the squad at Allianz Arena.
So far, the 29-year-old has won two Spanish league titles, seven Bundesliga titles, one Champions League title and two FIFA Club World Cup titles, and is one of the most decorated players in his role in Europe.
A rare mixture of technical ability and hard work, Thiago is excellent at orchestrating a game from the midfield. As a central midfielder, he is adept in the transition from the back and can even play as a playmaker in an advanced role.
The control he has over his passing and his decision making make him a word class player and even at 29, Thiago will be a huge asset for Liverpool for years to come.
Where does he fit in?
Klopp has the likes of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum as his first choice midfielders while Naby Keita is slowly cementing a place in the first team. Curtis Jones, James Milner and more importantly Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all options to change their approach to the game.
Liverpool did lose Adam Lallana in the summer and could also lose Wijnaldum, who has just a year left on his current deal. Klopp does have the likes of Marko Grujic available, but none of these names can be as effective as Thiago in the midfield.
The Spaniard can play in the advanced roles in the 4-3-3 system and alongside Keita, could establish one of the most fluid midfields in Europe.
Playing alongside Henderson or Wijnaldum, Thiago provides balance to the midfield and will certainly change how Liverpool approach different games.
The Bayern Munich man will be effective in breaking deep blocks but what makes Thiago a must buy is the fact that he can also control a game against the even the best of sides in Europe, as he showed in games against Chelsea and Lyon in the Champions League recently.
With plenty of experience under his belt, Thiago could walk in the first team and will make the squad stronger. So it is a no-brainer for Liverpool to get this deal done, as he would make their team stronger, and put them in a good position to defend the league title next season.
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