# Liverpool Confirm Thiago Will Not Leave This Summer
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara will not be leaving the club this summer. Reports from France earlier this week had suggested that Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli had lodged a €12 million bid for the player, but Klopp has now confirmed that no such offer was received and that any such approach would not be welcomed.
The Reds are currently in the process of rebuilding their midfield following several departures, and Klopp believes Thiago can play a key role in the coming season, both on and off the pitch. The German manager has praised the Spaniard for his experience and leadership, as well as his on-pitch influence.
Thiago is yet to make his competitive debut for Liverpool, having only just returned to team training following injury. Surgery on a long-standing hip issue forced him to miss the back end of last season, and he is only now closing in on full fitness. However, Klopp believes that the Spaniard’s leadership qualities will be invaluable to the team.
Speaking about the new leaders required in the squad, Klopp said: “It’s a new chance for everybody. Everybody has to step up, the new leadership group and not only them. If you look at the players who are not in the new leadership group but have all you need to be a leader, it’s absolutely exceptional. The new boys are great; Cody (Gakpo), Dom (Szoboszlai) – 22 and captain of Hungary – and Macca (Alexis Mac Allister), outstanding. These boys are there as well.”
Klopp went on to say: “We all share responsibility. It’s not that we should give ourselves too much time to grow into it, but let’s do it. Let’s take the responsibility and go from there. Don’t try to be like somebody – be the best version of yourself and you have a good chance to help the team in the best possible way, that’s where we try to help the boys.”
The Reds will kick off their Premier League campaign this weekend with a visit to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea, although it is unlikely that Thiago will feature in the match. Nevertheless, Klopp is confident that the Spaniard will be an integral part of Liverpool’s success in the coming season.