Reports of £10.35 million (€12m) Bid for Liverpool Midfielder Thiago Alcântara Unfounded
Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcântara has NOT been the subject of a £10.35 million (€12m) bid from Al-Ahli, according to reports from This Is Anfield. Reports had suggested that an offer for the Spaniard had arrived from the Saudi Pro League this week, but the Reds have yet to receive any firm bids for their No. 6.
With numbers light in Jurgen Klopp’s midfield, it seems unlikely that Liverpool would be willing to allow Thiago to leave before the end of the window. They had already lost Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and James Milner on free transfers this summer before sanctioning big-money departures for both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson. As such, it is thought the club’s preference would be to keep hold of Thiago for the final year of his deal before allowing him to depart for nothing next summer.
Liverpool Looking to Bolster Midfield
Rather than making further sales, the Reds’ focus is currently on bolstering their midfield by dipping into the transfer market. Frustration is growing over the slow progress of negotiations with Southampton for Romeo Lavia, who is the top target to replace Fabinho in the holding role. They have seen three separate bids turned down by the Saints, who are hoping to hold out for a £50 million payday for the teenager.
Their obstinance has led to Liverpool assessing alternative options with, as This Is Anfield revealed on Thursday, contact made with Brighton over a potential swoop for Moises Caicedo. However, the expectation remains that the Ecuadorean will end up at Chelsea, who have had several bids rejected already this summer.
Thiago’s Impact at Liverpool
Thiago joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich in September 2020 and has since made 24 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal and providing two assists. The Spaniard has been a key member of Jurgen Klopp’s squad and has helped the Reds to a first Premier League title in 30 years and a first Champions League title since 2005.
The 29-year-old has also been praised for his vision and passing ability, as well as his ability to control the tempo of games. He has been an integral part of Liverpool’s midfield and it is clear that he is highly valued by Klopp and his team-mates.
Conclusion
Despite reports of a potential bid from Al-Ahli, it appears that Liverpool have no intention of selling Thiago this summer. With numbers light in midfield, they are keen to keep hold of the Spaniard for at least one more season before allowing him to depart on a free transfer next summer.
The Reds are currently looking to bolster their midfield by signing Romeo Lavia from Southampton or Moises Caicedo from Brighton, but it remains to be seen if they can get either deal over the line before the transfer window closes. In any case, Thiago will remain an important part of Liverpool’s squad and will be looking to continue his impressive form in 2021/22.