In a recent report, ESPN claimed that Barcelona are eyeing a move for Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara next year. It is believed that the Catalan outfit are hoping to acquire the services of the Spanish midfield ace as they look to strengthen their squad for the new campaign.
Thiago’s Recent Form At Merseyside
Thiago has endured an injury-plagued campaign at the Merseyside club. He is yet to make an appearance for Liverpool this season.
The Spaniard had a decent spell at Anfield in the previous campaign when he made 28 appearances for the Reds, securing one assist in the process across all fronts. However, he failed to help Liverpool earn a top-four finish in the 2022-23 Premier League season.
Thiago was a decent performer at the centre of the park based on his average of 2.4 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 0.7 clearances, 0.9 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per 90 minutes in Premier League football. He has even been excellent when distributing possession from midfield after making 86.5% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
Should Barcelona Boss Xavi Snap Thiago Up Next Year?
Thiago remains an excellent passer of the ball and has got the vision to create some decent plays for his teammates in the opponent’s half. He is a technically gifted footballer who can make a few driving runs with the ball from midfield. Thiago is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but can also play as a defensive midfielder or function in the number ten position as an attacking midfielder if needed.
The Spanish talent doesn’t mind getting stuck in with a few solid tackles to make life tough for the opposition at the centre of the park. However, frequent injuries have derailed his progress at Liverpool so far.
His current deal at Anfield will run out at the end of this campaign. Thus, it makes sense for Barcelona boss Xavi to offer him a chance to shine at the Nou Camp when he becomes a free agent next summer.
Such a move seems viable for the Catalan club financially. Thiago already knows Barcelona well from his previous spell at the club and won’t take much time to settle into life in La Liga. Therefore, Xavi would be wise to snap the Liverpool midfield ace up in 2024.
