BARCELONA
Xavi wants Thiago Alcántara at Barcelona
New Barcelona manager Xavi is keen on signing Thiago, who he knows well from his time as a player at Camp Nou.
Barcelona head coach Xavi is interested in signing Thiago Alcántara, according to Sky Sport. The 30-year-old, who joined Liverpool last season, is not guaranteed a regular spot in Liverpool's midfield three under Jurgen Klopp. Xavi has plenty of midfield options at his disposal, including Pedri, Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong, Nico and Gavi, but Xavi is reportedly keen on signing Thiago, who he knows well from his time as a player at Barça.
Signing Thiago will be more difficult than landing Daniel Alves was for the LaLiga club. The Spanish international is under contract at Liverpool until 2024. Thiago could be tempted to return to Spain to work under Xavi in a system, style and league that suits his game.
Success at Bayern
The 30-year-old left Barça in the summer of 2013 after winning the Under-21 European Championship with Spain. At that time, Sergio Busquets, Andrés Iniesta, Xavi and Cesc Fabregas were slowing down his progress at the club and he decided to leave for Bayern Munich. He went on to work under Pep Guardiola and had great success with the Bundesliga giants. Eight years later, he could be set to return to play for his former team-mate at Camp Nou.