Liverpool are getting close to Thiago Alcantara.
Sam McAvoy from the MailOnline wrote that several German and English sources claim Liverpool have finally made an approach to the Bavarian giants for the transfer of Thiago Alcantara.
This situation has been cooking on the back-burner for most of the summer. But with news last evening that Pep Guardiola and Manchester City are showing an interest, it may have been enough to get the Reds moving on the highly rated Spanish playmaker.
A personal favorite of Guardiola both at Barca and Bayern, this wouldn’t surprise anyone that Pep would like to have him at City. This news in and of itself, I feel, has created the atmosphere that pushed Liverpool to make contact now.
There is an asking price for Thiago of £27m with future considerations and add-ons. The word out of Germany from reliable sources such as Christian Falk have suggested a deal with the player is already complete. The details with the club the last remaining factor in his transfer.
The reluctance of the Reds to actively pursue Thiago to this point is quite understandable with Bayern still in competition for Champions League. This just shows good business sense and respect from Liverpool.
I doubt Jurgen Klopp would ever allow a move for Thiago while Die Roten are still campaigning. The rumored interest from Guardiola has forced the gaffer’s hand.
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With the news of Premier League winnings and TV contract rebates, as well as winnings from Champions League this past campaign. Klopp and Michael Edwards definitely have the ready cash available to sign Alcantara for the asking price.
We all know what this lad brings to the table in talent, skill, and playmaking ability. A quick look at his last outing against Chelsea showcases just how much of a threat he is.
I have balked at his signing for Liverpool for most of the summer due to his propensity to come up injured and out for extended periods. Obviously, Klopp and the transfer committee have taken this matter into their calculations.
So just what would Thiago in the side do to the solid make-up of first team options? If he is used in his natural position of no. 6, then this means finding a home for Fabinho. Some have suggested he be moved back into defense if and when he’s required, which puts Joe Gomez under the gun for a starting spot.
This would satisfy the need for a back-up in the position to fill the hole left by Dejan Lovern.
The addition of Thiago to the side could have negative repercussions on the Gini Wijnaldum contract situation. Reports from the club have said everything with Gini is peachy, but word from his agent is that Liverpool have not yet come to the table for a new deal.
If this sounds a tad like the Emre Can situation a couple of seasons ago, that’s because it is. This is another example of Klopp’s man management nous.
Can played his entire last season for Liverpool without any serious drop off in form, yet the club knew at the new year that Emre would be seeking a new challenge when his contract expired.
Something quite similar could be afoot with Gini?
So we have Thiago at the no. 6 with Henderson and a choice of basically, like for like midfielders, Wijnaldum, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, to round out the midfield three.
The other option is to play a double 6 as we saw with Fabinho and Keita early in the last campaign, which leaves Henderson as the final cog in this defensive midfield set-up.
The other option which is least likely at this point is leaving Hendo on the bench, and having Thiago, Keita, and Wijnaldum for the midfield three. There are several ways to game this out but after Henderson’s last season, and PL player of the year, it becomes difficult to argue for having him sit on the bench.
This situation will sort itself over the next week or so. The addition of Thiago will bring benefit and a minor headache for Klopp when it comes to his team sheet. It does look for all intents and purposes like Liverpool will finally get the transfer that everyone has been squawking about all summer.