Thiago Alcantara‘s time at Bayern Munich seems to be edging closer to its end. According to Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, the midfielder is seeking a new challenge outside the country. With the Spaniard having just under a year in his contract, they are looking to offload the seven-time league winner rather than losing him on a free.
According to Christian Falk, Liverpool are the favourites to sign the 29-year old midfielder. Jurgen Klopp, who has been an admirer of the midfielder, recently spoke highly of him while being quizzed on any possible moves.
But do the Reds really need Thiago?
Liverpool Signing Thiago Alcantara is a Wrong Move for the Reds
Injury Prone
Thiago Alcantara is a player with a long history of injuries. According to Transfermarkt, the Spanish international has suffered close to 25 injuries and missed over 100 games in his career. Moreover, in seven seasons, the midfielder has just once played 30 or more Bundesliga matches in a season.
Injury-prone players are known to suffer in the English system. Players as gifted as Jack Wilshere and Thomas Vermaelen have all suffered due to the league’s fast-paced physical game. A player like Thiago – with a long injury record – could easily fall into that category. As well, the English system demands the players to play between 40 to 60 games – including domestic and European matches.
The physical aspects and the sheer number of games could make Thiago a regular visitor to the Reds treatment table.
High Wages
As a footballer, Thiago is now in his prime years. It’s usually the time when players earn their highest wages. The Spaniard, being one of the best midfielders in the world, would undoubtedly demand hefty sums from any of his potential employers. If the Reds do make a move for Thiago, they’d have to make him one of the highest earners in the Premier League.
That being said, Liverpool have major developmental works planned for Anfield and their Kirkby training ground. If reports are true, the Reds have already resumed working on the training ground. The proposed works, along with the Coronavirus pandemic, should have eaten up a chunk of Liverpool’s budget. It was not too long ago that the Reds decided against making a move for Timo Werner after citing financial reasons.
It’s a risky move that could backfire tremendously for the Reds.
Already Stacked With a Plethora of Central Midfielders
A glance into the Liverpool team reveals the high proportion of central midfielders in the squad. Adam Lallana, Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Naby Keita, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabinho, and Georginio Wijnaldum take up seven spots in the league squad.
Adding a player of Thiago stature would demand regular playing time. Apart from Lallana, all the players have played a crucial role in ending a 30-year wait for the league. Moreover, the presence of Thiago could also deter playing time for the young Curtis Jones.
Adding midfielders should be at the bottom of the list for Liverpool.
Doesn’t Suit the Klopp Way
However you may look at it, Thiago Alcantara does not possess the traits needed to play for Jurgen Klopp’s side. The Spaniard is not lightning quick, nor is he a ‘mad dog’. Alcantara is one of those special players gifted with exceptional technical skills. The 29-year likes to orchestrate the midfield while others do the dirty job for him. The Spaniard has been the midfield orchestrator in his last two teams, Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
Liverpool, under Klopp, play with an entirely different approach. The full-backs are the ones who usually initiates the attacks while midfielders do the dirty jobs. Having played in midfield prominent sides, Thiago would really struggle to adjust to the Klopp style of player.
Doesn’t Fall With Klopp’s Transfer Policy
Since arriving at Anfield, Klopp has focussed on the development of young players rather than buying old and established ones. The German has bought young and developed them to play his heavy metal style of football.
Buying Thiago Alcantara would be a contradiction to Klopp’s transfer policy. At 29, the Spaniard is out of the German’s target group. Moreover, it would be difficult for the La Masia product to adjust to the heavy metal style of Klopp.
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