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#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)
