Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara. The former Bayern Munich midfielder has agreed a long-term deal to make the move to Anfield.
Thiago Alcantara Joins Liverpool
The moment you’ve all been waiting for…#ThiagoFriday 🤩 pic.twitter.com/s2tOCvnHta
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 18, 2020
Long-Term Interest
Liverpool have been courting the 29-year-old’s signature throughout the summer transfer window.
However, according to The Athletic, talks between Munich and Liverpool only developed more recently, with the German champions keen to offload him before the start of the new Bundesliga season.
Thiago was close to agreeing a new deal at the Allianz Arena according to the report, but then changed his mind.
While Liverpool’s interest remained in the public domain, the Spaniard finished the season with Munich. He played a major part in their Champions League final win over Paris Saint-Germain, putting in a Man of the Match performance in his holding midfield role.
Bayern Munich Career
Thiago joined Munich in 2013 from boyhood club Barcelona.
He was highly sought after by then-manager Pep Guardiola, who had previously managed him at the Nou Camp. Speaking at the time, Guardiola said: “I spoke to the club and told them about my concept and told them why I want Thiago. He is the only player that I want. It will be him or no one.”
Despite the high praise, he initially struggled to make an impact at Allianz Arena – he scored just two goals and registered four assists in his first season.
However, he has developed into an impressive, well-rounded playmaker since then. The 2016/17 season saw him register his best season to date in a Bayern Munich shirt, as he scored nine goals while also creating nine for his team-mates.
A Good Fit for Liverpool
Despite his age, Thiago will prove to be a good short-term fit for Liverpool.
He fits the model of player that Jurgen Klopp is looking to bring to Anfield, and his experience will benefit those that will be below him in the pecking order.
While he is signing a reported four-year deal, Klopp can look to source a midfielder who will be the long-term future of the Reds’ midfield.
After putting pen to paper, Thiago told the club website: “I think it’s an amazing feeling. I was waiting for this moment for a long time and I am very, very happy to be here.
“When the years are passing, you are trying to win as much as you can – and when you win, you want to win more. I think this club describes what I am as well; I want to achieve all of the goals, win as many trophies as possible.
“It also [has] this kind of family [feeling] that I need because we [like to] have a very close relationship with the club and I think I will feel this, I will have this feeling, with this club as well.”
Main Photo
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