'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
After over half a decade in Germany, Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara is set to leave Bayern Munich. The former Barcelona midfielder has spent a trophy-laden time with the Bavarian giants, having picked up seven Bundesliga titles, four DFB-Pokal cups, three DFL-Supercups and a FIFA Club World Cup.
Thiago was in talks for a new deal at the Allianz Arena until he ultimately pulled the plug. The Spaniard, as confirmed by the club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, is seeking a new challenge elsewhere as he enters the peak of his career.
Speaking on the midfielder's situation, Rummenigge explained to Sky Germany;
"The talks Hasan [Salihamidzic] had with him have always been very productive. And at some point it actually seemed that [a new contract] was done. But then Thiago told Hasan some time ago that he would like to try something new at the end of his career. We have to accept that."
Thiago is regarded as one of the most press-resistant, metronomic players in Europe and has been the Bundesliga's finest midfielder for several years. This season, he's been at his majestic best with the ball, having averaged 77 passes (90.5% accuracy) a game along with 6.6 (!) long balls and three dribbles per 90. The midfield magician has even averaged 4.2 tackles and interceptions a game in the league this year.
Bayern Munich reportedly value him at a figure of €35m, given that he has just a year left on his contract. With the 29-year-old set for a new chapter in his illustrious career, here, we take a look at five realistic destinations for Thiago.
#5 Manchester United | Premier League
Manchester United have been linked with a move for Thiago for several summers. Many sources have claimed that the 29-year-old is admired at Old Trafford, but Bayern Munich have proven to be a notoriously difficult club to negotiate with.
The current crop of midfielders at United have been reenergised by the arrival of Bruno Fernandes midway through the 2019/20 campaign. The Portuguese's immediate impact was felt at the club, but ever since the restart of football, a pressing concern has come to the fore.
Apart from mercurial midfield talents Bruno and Paul Pogba, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer does not have more midfielders of a similar ilk to call upon in their absence. Young Scott McTominay is more of a deputy for defensive lynchpin Nemanja Matic, while Fred — a talented ball progressor — has blown hot and cold during his stay at the club.
Thiago can fix this issue with the utmost ease as he is regarded as one of the most complete central midfielders in the world. He has displayed his ability to control the tempo of the game from the middle time and again, and could make a stellar addition alongside Solskjaer's current midfield kings.
The only notable drawback to this potential move would be the fact that Thiago is unlikely to receive guarantees over his minutes. Should it go through, though, the Red Devils will be blessed with a midfield depth that teams can only dream of.
#4 Barcelona | LaLiga Santander
In theory, a move back to his old stomping ground Barcelona could make a lot of sense for Thiago. The midfielder made no secret of his love for the Catalans, having come through the ranks at La Masia. The Spaniard joined Barcelona's illustrious academy back in 2005 and spent eight years in Spain before moving to Germany.
Barcelona's failures in finding apt replacements for club icons Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta could play well into Thiago's hands. He was touted to be the latter's successor for a long time before he moved to Bayern. With Arthur now set to depart, and veteran duo Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vidal being linked with moves away, Thiago could seamlessly fit into Barcelona's plans for the immediate future.
Although it could be a perfect move for everyone involved, realistically, there are a couple of things to consider. For starters, Miralem Pjanic's impending arrival at the Nou Camp is one factor, and Barcelona's current financial situation is another. Not to mention, Barcelona's €75m acquisition of Ajax sensation Frenkie de Jong last summer.
This isn't to say that this move would be a bad fit by any means. Thiago has shown that he can play in a double pivot at Bayern, and with Barcelona competing across all fronts, he could prove to be a vital cog for the Catalans. If they can find an agreement with Bayern and Thiago is ready to adjust himself to the team's needs, it would be a superb move.
Lastly, the sentimental value of a homegrown player moving a foreign land and returning as one of the best midfielders in the world could weigh heavily on the decision as well.
Also read: Top 10 players in Europe this season according to ratings
#3 Manchester City | Premier League
A move to former Premier League champions Manchester City could, in all likelihood, be a very sensible one. City are under no real constraints from an economic point of view as seen by their reported £41m capture of Nathan Ake on Thursday. They are also said to have reached an agreement for Spanish star Ferran Torres of Valencia.
This move would be a very interesting one for more than just a couple of reasons. A major factor could be that of David Silva's departure from Manchester City. The Spanish wizard arrived in the blue half of Manchester back in 2010 and has decided to move elsewhere for the twilight years of his career. The news of an undisputed club legend set to leave could be factored in here, as Thiago would be a relatively direct replacement for the 34-year-old.
If being the centrepiece of a club as massive as City and playing alongside Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne isn't enough, there's more — he can reunite with his former manager Pep Guardiola.
It was the Catalan who took Thiago with him to Bavaria in 2013 and moulded him into the world-beating player he is today. Guardiola, on the other hand, would understandably welcome his former protege with open arms in the wake of David Silva's departure. The 29-year-old controller could feel at home at the Etihad, where his compatriot Guardiola's Spanish influence is evident both on and off the pitch.
Thiago could comfortably fit in alongside the likes of Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, and the star cast of midfield wizards in Manchester.
#2 Real Madrid | LaLiga Santander
A former Barcelona youth product and senior player moving to Real Madrid would certainly be enough to steal headlines all over Europe this summer. However, it is not the first transfer window during which a move to the Santiago Bernabeu is on the cards for Thiago.
The Spaniard reportedly came close to joining his former rivals in the summer of 2018 for €60m, while Real Madrid were under the leadership of Julen Lopetegui. The now-Sevilla manager and Thiago share a great amount of mutual respect, having won two U-21 European Championships together.
Although the move fell through at the time, Thiago has once again been linked with a move to Los Blancos. Ballon d'Or-winning midfielder Luka Modric is set to turn 35 come September, and there are rumours that he will be allowed to leave the club. If that is the case, the capital club could not have asked for a more readymade replacement for the outgoing Croat than Thiago.
The Spaniard could form an excellent midfield partnership with Toni Kroos and Casemiro at the heart of Real Madrid's XI. With the Brazilian doing the defensive work while the German continually recycles possession, Thiago could be given the utmost freedom to be a floating creative presence for the champions. Not to mention, a player of his experience and calibre could also provide young Fede Valverde with another accomplished player to learn from.
The only major stumbling block for Zinedine Zidane's side could perhaps be the economic aspect of the deal. Although he would cost what can be assumed as an affordable fee for the Blancos, the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on their finances. Should they find a solution for the same due to Bayern Munich's excellent relationship with Real Madrid, this move could be a superb one.
#1 Liverpool | Premier League
While all other names on this list have some or the other specific factor to take into consideration — be it the feasibility of the operation, wages, or playing time — Liverpool, seemingly, are perfectly poised to sign Thiago Alcantara. Jurgen Klopp's Reds are arguably the best team in the world on form, given their breathtaking achievements in the last year or so.
If there is one thing that their first XI could use to perhaps evolve and keep up with their strengthening rivals, it would be creativity from midfield. Much has been made of the current crop of midfielders at Anfield and their contribution to Klopp's system. While not a single one of them can be faulted for ability or commitment to the cause, it is their different profiles that create the need for a creative hub.
The likes of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, and Gini Wijnaldum have roles that are vastly different from their counterparts at clubs such as City or Barcelona. The creative onus is largely placed on their marauding full-backs and a godly frontline of attackers. However, there have been an odd occasion or two, where their game could have been elevated with a player as dynamic as Thiago in the middle.
With Fabinho and Henderson being the warriors in Liverpool's press-friendly midfield and arguably the best defender on the planet playing behind him, Thiago will have all the freedom in the world to play his natural game. Additionally, he could potentially be creating chances and splitting defences for the best frontline in Europe — further reiterating how much of a match made in heaven this move is.
The prospect of Thiago playing in the red of Liverpool in the 2020/21 season would surely send the Reds' faithful into a frenzy. There could not have been a more ideal player available at a more affordable price in the current market for Jurgen Klopp's men.
It is worth noting that Liverpool are set to enter a lucrative sportswear partnership with Nike in the upcoming season, and Thiago is also one of Nike's biggest clients.
Also read: 10 Premier League signings that have failed to impress (2019-20)
