Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Thiago Alcantara completes move as Reds eye Diogo Jota, Ismaila Sarr and Nuno Mendes plus Premier League updates
The Reds will now focus on young talent after completing a deal for the former Bayern Munich star
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Liverpool are finalising a move for Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich for just €30m in one of the biggest transfers of the summer window, though the Spain midfielder’s wages will add up to a sizeable investment for the Reds once his four-year deal on Merseyside expires. Now attention must turn to freshening up a group in its absolute prime - if not slightly on the way down.
That means finding a good landing spot for Rhian Brewster on loan, as their talented young striker needs to develop, rather than sit and wait behind Jurgen Klopp’s deadly front three. Could a move to Sheffield United suit everybody involved? Then there’s Ismaila Sarr, a big-money deal with high upside and more in line with acquiring Sadio Mane before he exploded to become the superstar is now is.
The Reds always remain active in the market and now, with Thiago, appear primed to plot their dominance for years to come. Here are the latest stories surrounding Anfield as the Reds look to build on last season’s success.
THIAGO BRINGS SOMETHING DIFFERENT SAYS CARRAGHER
Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher says Thiago Alcantara brings ‘something different’ to the current Premier League champions.
The midfielder is closing in on a move to Anfield, and Carragher spoke to Sky Sports about the 29-year-old:
Liverpool have got five or six midfield players - they rotate well because they need energy in that position - but a lot of the players are pretty similar.
Thiago would be something different - less in energy but more technical - and I think he would be a really good addition.
Liverpool are world class at the top end of the pitch, world class in terms of their defence and goalkeeper; I think they're top class in midfield.
Something could be added technically and Thiago fits the bill, so fingers crossed he comes.
CALM THIAGO EXCITEMENT SAYS HAMANN
Former Liverpool and Newcastle midfielder Didi Hamann has asked fans to dial down their excitement over the impending signing of Thiago Alcantara.
The Spanish midfielder is due to sign for The Reds today, but Hamann is cautious over whether he will be a success at Anfield.
Speaking to Talksport, Hamann said:
Bayern Munich would have preferred to keep him of course, but having said that, he’s been there seven years and he probably played his best game for the club in his last one, the Champions League final.
We always knew he was a good footballer but there was never a time in the seven years where you said, ‘you can’t think of the team without Thiago.
As it was now with [Thomas] Muller being back in form and [Leon] Goretzka coming into the team, if everybody was fit towards the end of the season Thiago wouldn’t have played. He only played because [Benjamin] Pavard couldn’t play in the final and [Joshua] Kimmich had to play right-back.
So I’m not too sure… The game in England is a lot quicker than Germany. He’s 29 now, he’s coming to a different country and a different type of football, I think we’ve seen that with the debuts of [Timo] Werner and [Kai] Havertz at Chelsea and how difficult they found it playing against Brighton.
He adds something extra to the Liverpool team, but I think the jury is still out whether he is that player they think or are told he is.
FERDINAND A FAN OF THIAGO
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand is a huge admirer of Thiago Alcantara.
Alcantara is closing in on a move to Anfield after making it clear that he wanted to leave Bayern Munich.
Speaking after Bayern’s 7-1 aggregate demolition job of Chelsea in the Champions League, Ferdinand said this about the midfielder:
He is a conductor, somebody who controls the tempo of the game, he’s got a wing mirror so he can see behind him, can see all angles, play every pass in the game.
He’s an intelligent player, he speaks the language which is an important part of it as well.
He’d be a dream to have for someone like Liverpool. He’s the type of player they probably haven’t got.
FLICK SAD TO SEE THIAGO GO
Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick says it’s a ‘pity’ to see midfielder Thiago Alcantara leave the club, as he closes in on a move to Anfield.
Alcantara has been with Bayern for seven years, but told the club he needed a new challenge.
“I can understand when a player thinks about a move,” he admitted.
“Thiago has played for Barcelona in Spain and for Bayern Munich in Germany. If he wants to play in the Premier League now, I totally understand.
“But it would be a pity, because Thiago gives us that certain extra. That’s what I’d like to keep him for the next few years as a coach, but that’s life. It goes on.”
REDS ASK ABOUT DEMBELE
Incredibly, Liverpool aren’t done just yet as Thiago Alcantara could be followed by Ousmane Dembele.
The Barcelona winger is out of favour and has failed to integrate alongside Lionel Messi.
Sport claim that negotiations have begun over a loan deal with a sizeable fee.
THIAGO A TOP PLAYER SAYS KOVAC
Former Bayern Munich coach Niko Kovac has described Thiago Alcantara as a ‘top player’.
Kovac managed Bayern for just over a year before getting sacked following a 5-1 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt in November 2019.
However Kovac said this when talking about Liverpool’s impending arrival:
“Thiago? what can I say? Top,” the Croatian said.
“He is our midfield player, a player who can do anything with the ball. There is nothing he can not do. He can speed up or slow down the rhythm of the game.
“He thinks like a coach on the pitch, that’s what every coach wants. I am glad that I am allowed to work with such a class man as well as a class football player.”
ROONEY BELIEVES THIAGO SIGNING MAKES LIVERPOOL TITLE FAVOURITES
Former Everton and Manchester United player Wayne Rooney believes that Liverpool’s signing of Thiago Alcantara effectively seals another title.
Rooney spoke to Talksport several weeks ago, before the deal for Alcantara was in its advanced stage, and said this:
Chelsea are making a lot of signings, some good signings.
Man United have a lot of potential in the players they have got but I still think they are a year away.
Chelsea with the new signings will possibly need a year to get everyone on the same songsheet.
So I do think it is between City and Liverpool. And if Liverpool get Thiago from Bayern Munich, I think it is done [the title].
That is a better signing than Messi going to Man City.
Thiago Alcantara has previously claimed to be a huge admirer of Liverpool’s style of play under boss Jurgen Klopp.
The midfielder’s move to Anfield looks set to be completed today, with a deal reportedly agreed upon by the two clubs in the region of £27m.
Speaking in February 2019 about Klopp’s men, the midfielder said this:
“They play awesome football over the last few years and improve every year,” he said. “We expect a great match against a great team, but also against a great crowd.”
ROBERTSON EXCITED BY THE PROSPECT OF THIAGO
Liverpool full-back Andy Robertson could barely contain his excitement at the news that Thiago Alcantara is closing in on a move to Merseyside.
After weeks of wrangling between the clubs, a deal has been reportedly agreed for around €30m (£27m).
A massive day ahead for Liverpool: Thiago Alcantara is almost a Red. Follow all the latest right here…
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