In a recent report, Bild has stated that Manchester United are in contact with Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara’s agent, but are yet to reach an agreement over a potential move for the player this summer. It is understood that the Red Devils are prepared to rival Liverpool in the race to secure the Spanish playmaker’s signature in this off-season (via Bild).
Thiago’s Remarkable Career In Germany
The 29-year-old has enjoyed a long and successful career at Munich since arriving from Barcelona in the summer of 2013. The 37-time Spanish international has gone on to make a total of 235 appearances for the Bavarian giants, registering 31 goals and 37 assists in all competitions.
Thiago has won the Bundesliga title seven times in a row with Bayern Munich and even helped his team secure the UEFA Champions League trophy last month. He scored three goals and grabbed two assists in 40 matches for the German outfit in the previous campaign on all fronts.
The Italy-born talent has been an all-round performer at the heart of Hans-Dieter Flick’s midfield based on his average of 2.3 tackles, 2.0 interceptions, 0.7 shots, 1.0 key passes and 2.5 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League last season. Thiago was once again excellent with his ball-distribution from midfield after completing 90.6% of his attempted passes in both those competitions (stats via whoscored).
What Will The Spanish Playmaker Bring To The Theatre Of Dreams?
As mentioned earlier, Thiago is an excellent distributor of the ball and possesses a wide range of passes in his locker, which allows him to create some meaningful openings for his teammates in the attacking third. He boasts incredible ball-control that helps him to retain possession with ease and grace for his side at the centre of the park. The Spaniard can also produce a tireless shift defensively by offering some added protection for his teammates at the back.
Should The Red Devils Launch A Move For Thiago This Summer?
Thiago’s quality and winning mentality make him a valuable addition for any top side in Europe. However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has got a plethora of options in his midfield department with the likes of Fred, Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Scott McTominay and Andreas Pereira fighting for a place in his starting XI. Furthermore, the potential arrival of Donny van de Beek from Ajax later this summer will inject some goals and creativity to the Man United squad.
Hence, the Red Devils have no immediate need to launch an offer for Thiago this summer. However, if Solskjaer is willing to give up and cash in on some of his underperforming midfielders, then it makes sense for them to land the Spanish ace before the transfer window comes to a halt in October. At 29, the Bayern star has plenty of good years left in his locker which Man United could look to capitalise on in the future.
