Harry Diamond
Thiago Alcantara has been given time off to miss Bayern Munich’s coronavirus testing with Liverpool reportedly ‘pushing’ to seal a deal for the in-demand midfielder.
The Spain international has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League after informing Bayern of his desire to leave the club this summer in search of a new challenge, Thiago having enjoyed a hugely successful spell with the club, winning seven successive Bundesliga titles and forming part of the side that lifted the Champions League last season.
Liverpool are known to be huge admirers of the player and are keen to secure a deal for the 29-year-old, though the Premier League champions have so far been reluctant to meet the player’s €30m asking price given their financial concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic.
According to Bild, Thiago has now been given additional time off following the Nations League fixtures this week and will not be present for Bayern’s coronavirus testing ahead of a return to pre-season, a scenario which could prove key in deciding his future.
Chelsea have not made any contact for Thiago Alcantara – just to be clear. Manchester United had a contact with his agent days ago but have not started any official talk with Bayern Münich. So quiet atm. And Jurgen Klopp would love to have Thiago as new #LFC signing. 🔴 #Thiago
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 8, 2020
Liverpool’s finances are restricted this summer with the arrival of left-back Kostas Tsimikas the club’s only signing of the summer so far, with speculation suggesting that the future of Georginio Wijnaldum could prove crucial to the Reds’ hopes of funding a move for Thiago.
The Netherlands international – like Thiago – has just a year remaining on his current contract and has been strongly linked with a move to Barcelona, newly-appointed Blaugrana manager Ronald Koeman keen to reunite with a player he worked alongside for the national side.
Wijnaldum has been a key component of a successful Liverpool side but may be allowed to depart in order to avoid losing the player on a free transfer next summer, Jurgen Klopp’s side’s transfer dealings having been hugely hindered by the pandemic, with a host of fringe players – including Harry Wilson and Marko Grujic – failing to attract previously anticipated offers in the current climate.
Manchester United have also been tentatively linked with the player but are not believed to have made contact with Bayern Munich at present, with Merseyside appearing Thiago’s likeliest destination should Liverpool meet his asking price.
Re: Thiago
I think Thiago’s “I have not said I will leave Bayern” ….is a message to Bayern to get the fee down. At least two English clubs want him. But they find the package too expensive.
Thiago wants Bayern to “sort this out” https://t.co/ecpDOI9PPH
— Jan Aage Fjortoft 🏳️🌈 🇳🇴 (@JanAageFjortoft) September 8, 2020
Recent reports have suggested that Thiago has not declared he ‘will leave Bayern’ this summer, though the player’s house is reportedly up for sale and he has said goodbye to his teammates in Bavaria.
Another twist could still yet occur with Barcelona having also been linked with a move for Thiago – who left the club for Bayern in 2013 – though Koeman is pushing for the signing of Wijnaldum, the Barca boss keen to begin his reign with players he knows and trusts following a turbulent period at the Camp Nou.
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