In a recent interview with talkSPORT, AZ Muenchen journalist Patrick Strasser provided an update on Liverpool‘s pursuit of Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara this summer. When questioned about whether the Spanish playmaker will make a switch to Merseyside during this summer transfer window, Strasser said (via talkSPORT),
“I think so yeah, he definitely wants to, and it’s just a matter of how many millions Bayern want to earn from this player.
“It’s said they want to make about €30m to €40m this transfer and I’m not sure if Liverpool can afford that or want to pay that.
“But Jurgen Klopp is desperate and keen to get Thiago in his squad.
“Thiago has already said goodbye to his teammates in Munich and the bosses know he’s going to leave.
“It’s just a matter of money, in the end.”
Thiago’s Rich Vein Of Form At The Allianz Arena This Season
Thiago is enjoying another mesmerising campaign with the German champions after recently helping them clinch a semi-final place in the UEFA Champions League. He produced a classy display at the centre of Hans-Dieter Flick’s midfield in the 8-2 demolition of Barcelona on Friday night to set up a semi-final date with Olympique Lyonnais later this month.
The Italy-born talent has built up a solid partnership with Leon Goretzka in midfield. He can effortlessly establish his dominance at the centre of the park by retaining possession well for his team. The 29-year-old has been involved in 38 matches for the Bundesliga giants this term, netting three goals and securing two assists in all competitions. He has gotten used to playing the holding midfield role, which explains why his productivity in the final third has been low over the past 12 months.
Thiago has been in sparkling form in Europe where he has averaged 3.1 tackles, 2.4 interceptions, 0.8 shots, 1.4 key passes and 1.4 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Champions League. He is an excellent ball-distributor as well after completing 90.7% of his attempted passes in league and European football this season (stats via whoscored).
What Will The Spanish Midfield Ace Bring To Merseyside?
Thiago has been a complete midfielder for the Munich outfit since arriving from Barcelona back in 2013. As mentioned earlier, he is an accurate ball-distributor and has got a vast array of passes in his arsenal. The Spaniard can read the game well that enables him to orchestrate a few promising chances to score in the opposition half. He can even complete some dangerous dribbles from midfield and is usually a very composed runner with the ball at his feet.
Will Thiago Be A Dream Signing For Klopp?
Plus, Thiago can pull off some well-timed tackles to earn possession back for his side in the middle of the park. However, at 29, one cannot help but wonder whether his overall game would decline considerably in a few years. There is no doubt that the Bayern star will be a significant upgrade over Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita due to his incredible consistency in terms of his performances on the pitch. He could also serve as a perfect short-term replacement for Adam Lallana, who sealed a move to Brighton and Hove Albion earlier this summer.
Thiago would be a dream signing for Jurgen Klopp if the German tactician can find a way to lure him to Anfield before the start of the new campaign. The Bundesliga midfielder has all the attributes required to secure a regular first-team place at Merseyside next season. He could potentially help the Reds win some silverware in the coming seasons which makes him a dream choice for the Premier League winners to consider this summer.
