Many names have entered the famous door of Anfield over the years under Jürgen Klopp. Many have gone onto endure a rise in stock and reputation during their time, too. That’s always been the way under Klopp. Sign a player who may not necessarily be a star at the time, before guiding and improving said player into the world-class status.
Virgil Van Dijk has done exactly that since joining Liverpool, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, too. Jürgen Klopp has never bought in a ready-made star. Until now. And that’s what makes Thiago Alcântara’s arrival so significant. His move signifies Liverpool’s permanent return to the top.
Before, they could only attract potential stars. Now, despite winning the Champions League with Bayern Munich, one of the world’s best midfielders has chosen Liverpool.
The Spaniard has won a total of 28 senior trophies, including 11 league titles and two Champions League trophies. He may well be the most decorated player to complete a move to the Premier League, and, for that matter, Liverpool.
Many players have entered that elite status in which everyone craves while at Liverpool. But it’s hard to remember a time when a player already in that bracket decided to make a move.
Thiago is Jürgen Klopp’s Biggest Signing Yet
Thiago Alcântara: A Signing Fit for Champions
Liverpool couldn’t just sign anyone following the title party last season. It had to be a big name because after all, not many players can improve a side that has just won the title with 99 points. They needed a player to fit the Premier League crown they currently wear on their head. And, let’s face facts, that player wasn’t going to be back up left-back Kostas Tsimikas.
Instead, the red carpet has rightfully been rolled out for Thiago; the Spanish maestro set to take the Premier League by storm. The move is an anomaly in Liverpool’s transfer history, but it was still struck with the same vigour and merciless search for a bargain.
What should have been a deal in the region of £40 million, when considering the ability of the player, has cost Liverpool as little as £20 million, with £5-6 million coming in add ons. To put that price into perspective, Liverpool sold Dominic Solanke for that same price a couple of years ago to Bournemouth.
They sold a backup striker for the same price they have bought one of the best midfielders in the world. It may well be the biggest bargain deal that Liverpool have ever made.
Back to Back?
Admittedly, it would be pretty hard for Liverpool to beat last season’s feat of 99 points, a Premier League trophy, a Super Cup and a Club World Cup. But, going back to back in the Premier League would confirm this current side’s place among the best in history.
You can already see the attempt at replicating the incredible work of Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. With each league title at United came at least one new signing to solve an issue before it even became a problem.
This summer, Jürgen Klopp has solved his left-back problem with the signing of Kostas Tsimikas, solved his backup striker problem with the arrival of Diogo Jota, and added Thiago Alcântara as the cherry on top of a potential two-time Premier League winning cake.
Repeating Manchester United’s dominant period is the dream, and the signing of Thiago Alcântara proves Liverpool are at least back at the very top and best positioned to become dominant once again.
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