Thiago Alcantara to Liverpool transfer latest: What we know so far about interest in the Bayern Munich star

Top talent: Thiago Alcantara
AFP via Getty Images
David Lynch6 July 2020

The coronavirus pandemic is expected to have a major impact on football clubs’ finances, but it has not stopped new transfer rumours emerging.

The latest big story concerns newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool and one of European football’s most talented midfielders in Thiago Alcantara.

But, is there any truth in suggestions that the Spain international could be about to swap the Allianz Arena for Anfield?

Here’s what we know so far...

Are Bayern willing to sell?

Thiago has just a year remaining on a deal he last extended in 2017 and is believed to be keen to take on a fresh challenge elsewhere.

According to Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (below), Bayern won’t stand in the player’s way should an offer materialise as they do not wish to lose him for nothing next summer.

Photo: Getty Images
Getty Images

The German club’s president said: "We haven't had contact with Liverpool but if he wants to go there, we'll have to [sell].

"We're negotiating with him, but it seems as though he wants to try something new at the end of his career.

"We don't want to lose him for free. I'm clear about that."

The 29-year-old’s delicate contract situation has led to suggestions that he could be signed for as little as €35m.

Where could he go?

As Rummenigge alluded to, Liverpool are the club who have been most strongly linked with a swoop for Thiago.

Reports originating in Spain last week suggested the Reds had already agreed personal terms with the midfielder and were beginning negotiations with Bayern.

If the former Barcelona star is truly looking for a new challenge, it would make sense for him to move to the Premier League

And, as the reigning champions, Liverpool are surely the most desirable destination for any new arrival into the league.

Still, with Thiago’s desire to depart Munich now publicly known, don’t be surprised if suitors from further afield emerge in the coming weeks.

Could Liverpool do a deal?

Klopp remained tight-lipped when asked about the prospect of signing Thiago in his latest post-match press conference.

Speaking after his team’s win over Aston Villa on Sunday, the German said: “Would you be surprised if I don’t give an answer on that, just because I never answer these kind of questions.

“Thiago Alcantara is a really good player. Like a lot of other players out there, I like (him) a lot.

“But that’s all I have to say about that.”

Liverpool continue to privately distance themselves from a move, insisting Klopp is well stocked in the centre of midfield.

Thiago’s age and fitness record also do not make him an obvious target for the Reds, who have tended to target younger and more robust players under FSG.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp Photo: PA
PA

But, while club insiders expect another quiet summer at Anfield, they admit that could change in the event of departures.

It remains to be seen whether Klopp would be able to resist signing a player he has long admired for a bargain fee should a vacancy in midfield appear

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