Barcelona are reportedly monitoring the situation of Thiago Alcantara at Liverpool and harbour hopes of re-signing him.
The Spanish international, 32, has only a year left on his contract with the Reds and could move down the midfield pecking order next season following the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai earlier this summer. He was recently linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.
Liverpool have already lost three midfielders earlier this summer, and with Saudi Arabian clubs also trying to poach both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, it is highly unlikely that they will weaken the squad any further. However, according to Spanish outlet SPORT, Barcelona are looking at Thiago Alcantara as a potential option to reinforce their midfield for the next season.
Having joined Barcelona’s La Masia youth setup in 2005, Thiago went on to spend eight years at the club before leaving for Bayern Munich in 2013, winning 10 major honours in the process. The Spanish midfielder has not enjoyed smooth sailing at Liverpool, spending the majority of the time on the sidelines. With just one year on his contract left, he could be tempted to move back to Nou Camp if Blaugrana make an offer.
Thiago Alcantara to Barcelona—Should Xavi make a move?
Barcelona are looking for bargains and free transfers in this transfer window amid their financial problems. They have managed to pull off a quality signing in the shape of Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer from Treble-winners Manchester City. It seems like Xavi Hernandez is not yet satisfied with the look of his midfield unit and wants to add another midfielder after Gundogan’s acquisition.
Thiago Alcantara is the latest name to be linked with a move to Barcelona. Once regarded as one of the best central midfielders on the planet, Thiago has the required qualities to be a top signing for Xavi’s side. He can play in the pivot as well as an advanced midfielder, and his passing ability, vision and spatial awareness could see forwards such as Robert Lewandowski, Ousmane Dembele and Ferran Torres score a lot of goals.
The ex-Bayern Munich would also bring valuable experience and a winning mentality to the Barcelona squad, whilst being a mentor for young talents Gavi and Pedri. If he can keep himself free from injuries, Thiago could elevate the quality of Blaugrana’s midfield and go a long way in filling the void left by Sergio Busquets.
Considering his contract at Liverpool expires in 2024, Barcelona have the chance to sign Thiago for a paltry fee. If Liverpool are willing to sell Thiago, the Spanish champions should go all out to bring him back to Nou Camp.