Thiago Alcantara, the Spanish maestro plying his trade at Liverpool, has become the center of a transfer tug-of-war originating from Saudi Arabia. Despite currently being in the last year of his contract at Anfield, he has already rejected an initial proposal from a Saudi outfit.
No official bid has reached Liverpool yet, with the negotiations apparently taking place directly with Thiago's representatives. However, the 32-year-old midfield dynamo is committed to rejoining pre-season training at Kirkby this weekend.
At the moment, Thiago's focus remains on spending the 2023-24 season at Liverpool. Yet, the allure of a potential enhanced offer could test his resolve in the coming weeks.
Inside Saudi Arabia, plans are afoot to cause ripples in global football by targeting marquee players like Thiago. However, Liverpool's response will be dependent on Thiago's own inclination towards a move away. As it stands, Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool's gaffer, anticipates having the Spaniard in his squad for the forthcoming season.
Despite the incoming interest, Liverpool appears content with the possibility of Thiago fulfilling his contract and departing as a free agent in 2024. Liverpool's summer rebuild has already witnessed the arrival of midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, indicating a revamping strategy.
In 2020, when Thiago joined Liverpool, Simon Hughes remarked, "Only a select few of the world's best players were capable of making Liverpool's starting XI better... Thiago...will do that."
As news of Saudi Arabia's interest in Thiago becomes more widespread, the likelihood of his departure appears stronger. Reports from several media outlets, including The Times, The Athletic, and Sky, suggest that Liverpool could be open to selling, provided the right valuation is met.
Thiago's potential exit could pave the way for the arrival of Roméo Lavia, adding another dimension to the Liverpool midfield. While there's no certainty about his departure, fans may have to brace themselves for the possibility.
Although Thiago seems comfortable staying under Klopp's stewardship for another season, the allure of lucrative offers from abroad could sway his decision. The rejection of interest in Khephren Thuram and focus on Roméo Lavia suggests that Liverpool may not be under immediate pressure to offload a foreign player.
Thiago, a player with immense talent and understanding of Klopp's tactical system, could be instrumental in helping new arrivals settle in. With multiple midfielders already exiting the club and Thiago potentially following suit next summer, Liverpool might prefer to retain him, barring any irresistible offers from Saudi Arabia.
