Bayern Munich won the Champions League in the 2019-20 season, and former Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara, who had been playing for the club since 2013, refused to renew his contract and moved to Liverpool when he had one year remaining on his contract.
He has a unique touch on the ball and use of his body to keep possession, but he also uses his skillful long and short passes to break the deadlock. He sometimes creates chances with passes that get behind opponents, while at the same time using his experience and precise pressing to steal the ball away from them.
When he is in good condition, he is still one of the best performers in the world, but he has been sidelined for long periods of time due to repeated injuries. Injuries have plagued him this season, and he has yet to even make the bench.
ESPN reports that the former Bayern midfielder, whose contract expires next summer and is expected to leave the club on a free transfer, has attracted the interest of his old club, Barcelona, who have been mentioned as candidates along with Joshua Kimmich (Bayern), Jorginho (Arsenal), and Guido Rodríguez (Real Betis).
Barcelona is where he spent his academy days and where he started his professional career. At 32 years old, he is nearing the end of his career, and as he will turn 33 next April, it is common for him to return to the club he has been familiar with since his youth.
Liverpool upgraded this summer’s transfer market with the addition of four midfielders. Even if Thiago Alcantara returns from injury, he is not guaranteed a starting spot, and there is a push for younger players.
In addition to getting playing time, with the impression that they have not been able to withstand the intensity of England, a return to La Liga, where the game is less physical and more relaxed, may be a good option to try to break away from their injury-prone days.
Barcelona or not, Liverpool will be looking to add a new midfielder to their ranks if the player decides to leave the club. What will be the end point of the former Spanish midfielder’s departure…?