European midfield maestro lands in Liverpool for medical at Melwood

Liverpool signing Thiago brings back the good old days.

Rumors were stirring last evening that Thiago Alcantara was seen at a downtown Liverpool hotel, and that he was in town before his medical at Melwood today.

News across the wires this morning confirm that Liverpool have indeed reached an accord wth the Bavarian giants in Munich for Thiago’s signature. We can expect to see an initial £20m fee plus £5m to be spread over a five year period by one account.

The details vary according to which source you read; but the upshot is Liverpool will get Thiago’s signature and he will wear the no. 6 jersey.

Fans on social media are over the moon with the news, and many who were questioning the Reds; Michael Edwards and Jurgen Klopp’s summer transfer policy are now full of praise for the crafty duo.

What a spectacular bit of business they have pulled off; another masterful stoke of transfer business; again! This is pudding proofed that with the blessing of FSG and their eminent trust and faith in Klopp and Edwards, and their system of excellence that they are engaged in…Liverpool have once again elevated themselves over the odds.

Indeed, this duo, and their success at building a title winning side, have once again brought the Shankly/Paisely ‘Boot Room’ philosophy back to Merseyside! It has been a long time coming and it is another example that this management group means business. Their intention is to be a formidable force in England and on the continent for the foreseeable future.

The details of how this might effect the midfield are questions that will need sorting to be sure. But I believe Klopp tipped his hand a week or so ago when the news was reported that he had conversations with Fabinho about moving to the centre-back spot next to Virgil Van Dijk.

This leaves Joe Gomez and Joel Matip fighting for places and minutes which is ultimately a very good thing in my mind…

I look for a new change in tactics and formation in the next month for the Reds. Klopp will look to employ his favorite 4-3-2-1 formation that he used in the Bundesliga to retain the title over Bayern.

Look for Thiago in the 6 hole, Jordan Henderson should line up on the right of Thiago, and Gini Wijnaldum/Naby Keita on the left. This sets up Sadio Mane and Mo Salah to play the wings and Bobby Firmino/Takumi Minamino up top. With Harvey Elliot and Curtis Jones as forward and midfield subs as necessary.

We could see this formation switch as early as the Lincoln tie in the third round cup tie on the road next week.

It remains to be seen whether Thiago can be cleared by the league to play at Stamford Bridge come Sunday. I’m suspecting Frank Lampard will be hoping not…as he has very fresh memories of how Thiago carved up his midfield in CL last month.