Thiago Alcantara

Manchester United in £27 million pursuit of Liverpool target Thiago Alcantara

30 August 2020 by John Walker

Manchester United have reportedly joined Liverpool in the chase for Bayer Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara this summer. The player has already stated his desire to leave the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and the UEFA Champions League holders this summer in a bid for a new challenge. The player wanted to sign for United in the summer of 2013 but was rejected by David Moyes, who clearly had plans to chase the unattainable, rather than signing players that wanted to sign for the club.

Liverpool have been the frontrunners in the chase to sign the Spanish defender this summer but seem to be reluctant to spend the money in the player. Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is expecting a bid for the £27 million rated midfielder in the next few days, as reported by Norwegian journalist, Fredrik A. N. Filtvedt, who works for Dagbladet TV – who states that United are now in the mix to sign the 29-year-old. It could be a blow for Liverpool but it is expected that this could be a move to hurry Liverpool into concluding the prospective deal. Rummenigge was quoted by The Sun as saying:

“We are expecting an offer from another club in the next few days. He told us that at the end of his career, he would like to try something new.”

It has been reported in the last day or so that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is already monitoring Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek this summer, a player who has been linked to United in 2020 already. If it was going to be either Van de Beek or Thiago, the 23-year-old Dutchman would be the better option in terms of longevity but if United were interested in signing both, it would be a massive upgrade on the likes of Jesse Lingard, Andreas Pereira and perhaps even Fred. Based on that, there could be something in this.

When United were linked to Thiago back in the summer of 2013, it was expected that the former Barcelona midfielder would sign for United. However, it has been suggested that Thiago begged Moyes to sign him that summer, but Moyes had decided that the Spaniard was ‘not the type of player that he wanted‘, which seems to be a very weird thing to say based on the player’s career in Germany since leaving Barcelona. It was a typical Moyes thing to do though, especially in the fact he signed one player that summer and that was not spectacular.

During his career in Germany, Thiago made a total of 235 appearances, scoring 31 goals and 37 assists at the club. The player won seven consecutive Bundesliga titles, four DFB-Pokal’s, three DFL-Supercups, one FIFA Club World Cup and one UEFA Champions League helping his club win the treble during the 2019/20 season. Based on this, it would show the type of player that Thiago was and how Moyes missed out on him by being David Moyes. It might have been different for United if Moyes had acted differently.

I fully expect Liverpool to end up signing Thiago this summer. These rumours seem to come at times whereby the interested club is not hurrying the deal so things happen to ensure that happens. Journalist Jan Aage Fjortoft does not think that United are being in this instance, so there could well be something in that, although personally, this seems to happen a lot. United do have a good relationship with Bayern Munich though, so I guess anything can happen. I would not be surprised if Liverpool got the signing over the line now though.

Written by John Walker

Filed Under: First Team, Managers, News, Opinion, Transfer Rumours Tagged With: Bayern Munich, Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool, Manchester United, Old Trafford, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Spain, Thiago Alcantara

Manchester United and Chelsea target Thiago Alcantara puts house up for sale giving suggestion transfer on the cards this summer – reports

15 July 2020 by John Walker

Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara has fuelled speculation that he will leave the Bundesliga champions this summer. The 29-year-old has reportedly put his house up for sale, which could only mean one thing – he’s moving house. Whether that is in Germany or elsewhere remains to be seen. Bayern know that the player wants to leave this summer.

Along with United and Chelsea, it is stated that Arsenal and Liverpool are also interested in signing the Spanish midfielder this summer. Bild journalist Christian Falk has confirmed that the player has put his house on the market, which seems to be the basis of this report. It is also stated that the player is trying to finalise a sale of the property, which is quick.

Bayern chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has already admitted that the player wants to leave the club this summer and this news will almost help the clubs interested in the player to get in contact with Bayern and make an offer, which in turn will lead them to speaking to the player’s agent and seeing if there is any interest in the player joining.

Thiago was once linked to United, managed then by David Moyes, who did not want the player, which is surprising as at the time United desperately needed a player like the Spaniard, instead ended up chasing players who were not interested and signing Marouane Fellaini, who was semi-successful at the club but the wrong player at the time.

It was once suggested that Liverpool had agreed personal terms with Thiago and that the two clubs were in advanced talks over a £31 million deal but nothing has been confirmed by either club, although there could be something in that with the player selling his property in Germany, unless he is just making way for an expected departure elsewhere.

During his time in Germany, Thiago has won the Bundesliga seven times, all consecutive seasons, also lifting the DFB-Pokal four times, the DFL-Supercup three times and the FIFA Club World Cup once – the player not being involved in the 2012/13 UEFA Champions League victory that got them there. He could add some depth to United’s squad, if they are interested.

Filed Under: First Team, Managers, News, Opinion, Transfer Rumours Tagged With: Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Old Trafford, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Spain, Thiago Alcantara

Manchester United eyeing shock move for Thiago Alcantara as Liverpool stall on potential deal – reports

8 July 2020 by John Walker

Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea are apparently interested in hijacking Liverpool’s move for Bayern Munich and Spain midfielder Thiago Alcantara this summer, according to reports. It is probably nothing, rather than something as the mainstream media like to link other clubs with a player who could be on his way elsewhere.

It is something that we have seen before time and time again, it creates another story further down the line that talks about how these clubs has missed out on a player that they may not have actually been interested in signing. It is suggested the the Premier League champions have agreed personal terms with the midfielder, with the deal seemingly stalled.

Spanish journalist Guillem Balague, who has not exactly been Mr Reliable of late has suggested that Liverpool could actually miss out on the player as they do not want to splash the cash this summer, which seems pretty strange as you would expect them to build upon their first league title in 30 years ready to defend that title next season?

During a Q&A on his YouTube channel, Balague revealed interest from both United and Arsenal with The Athletic’s David Ornstein also hinting that Chelsea could reignite their interest in the Spanish midfielder, 29, this summer. Bayern Munich Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has confirmed Alcantara wants to leave the club this summer, saying:

“He’s a great guy on and off the pitch. We negotiated with him and met all of his wishes. But Thiago Alcantara wants to leave.”

The Bundesliga champions would rather sell the player this summer that see hims leave the club as a free agent next summer, which could easily be the case, therefore they are not standing in his way. In 36 appearances for the German club this season, Thiago has scored three goals, assisting two more, which may not be great but he offers ability in the midfield.

In total, during his time at Bayern, Thiago has scored 31 goals and 37 assists in 231 appearances, playing as a central attacking midfielder, as a central midfielder and even as a defensive midfielder. He could offer a lot of depth for United, who will be seeking to find a player to take the strain off Nemanja Matic, who signed a new contract at the club this week.

Late last month is was revealed that Thiago, who was seemingly on United’s radar during the ill-fated David Moyes era, which lasted just nine months or so. The player was heavily linked to the Old Trafford club with rumours rife about the club close to signing there player. However, he signed for Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich instead.

It was reported that Thiago begged United to sign him, which seems ludicrous at the time with United struggling to sign players, chasing Cesc Fabregas and failing to sign the player, who at the time did not want to leave Barcelona. United then signed Marouane Fellaini, on deadline day for £27.5 million, around £4 million more than they could have paid earlier that summer.

It was a poor time to be a United supporter with Moyes seemingly out of his depth and struggling to bring any names into the club. United did add some midfield magic in January 2014, signing Juan Mata from Chelsea and it seemed to be a Sir Alex Ferguson signing more than a Moyes signing. It is said that Thiago is still keen to sign for United. I guess we shall see if that is true, and if United are interested in him.

Filed Under: First Team, Managers, News, Opinion, Transfer Rumours Tagged With: Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Old Trafford, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Spain, Thiago Alcantara

Manchester United and Chelsea have both made enquiries for Thiago Alcantara this summer

24 July 2018 by Mike Wilson

Manchester United and Chelsea have both submitted an enquiry to Bayern Munich this summer over the availability of Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara. The 27-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Bavarian club this summer, a return to Barcelona was suggested, along with the interest of United, which was reported just over a month ago as the FIFA World Cup started in Russia. It was also suggested last week that United were interested in Alcantara along with Bayern teammate Robert Lewandowski, which seems unlikely.

The report, which comes from ESPN FC, also suggests that the Bundesliga champions sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic suggested that the club wants to keep the Spaniard at the club this summer, not that these statements stop rumours from materialising but confirming the player is available could see a major reduction in the price of the player with club unlikely to spend so much on an available player as they might on one who is seemingly unavailable. Salihamidzic, speaking to Suddeutsche Zeitung about a fortnight ago, was quoted as saying:

“Of course we are planning with him. It will be an interesting battle for places with nine midfielders.”

It is suggested that the interest from both United and Chelsea is stronger than that of Barcelona. Earlier in the summer, Bild reported that a fee for Alcantara could reach €70 million which is something Barcelona would not pay even for a former player of theirs. However, with both United and Chelsea seeking to rebuild in order to challenge both domestically and on the European stage. Alcantara had a lot of success since moving to Bayern from Barca, winning the Bundesliga five times, also lifting the DFB-Pokal, the DFB-Supercup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Alcantara has won 16 major honours in his time at both Bayern and Barcelona, lifting the La Liga title twice, the Copa del Rey, the Supercopa de España, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup all once at the Catalan club. The 27-year-old has won everything he can with the two clubs he has played for, which could spell a new challenge on the horizon. United have been heavily linked with the player before, seemingly coming close to signing him when David Moyes was the manager, the player following Pep Guardiola to Bayern with the manager ending his sabbatical.

Bayern are well-stocked with midfielders at this moment in time with nine players contesting for a place in the starting XI. The Bavarian club could sanction sales for one or two this summer, in a bid to trim the squad and make competition for places a lot easier. On their book, Bayern has; Javi Martinez, Arturo Vidal, Sebastian Rudy, Corentin Tolisso, Leon Goretzka, James Rodriguez, Thomas Muller, Renato Sanches and Alcantara. There could be a lot of interest depending on which players could leave the club.

United has 16 more days (after today) before the transfer window closes on the 9 August, a day before United open their Premier League campaign against Leicester City at Old Trafford. However, in Europe, the transfer window will close on the 31 August, meaning there will be two deadline days for us in the United Kingdom. Players will need to arrive before the 9 August, but clubs in England could still sell players until the FIFA imposed deadline at the end of the month. Not helpful if United do intend to try and sign Alcantara.

Filed Under: First Team, Managers, News, Opinion, Transfer Rumours Tagged With: Bayern Munich, Jose Mourinho, Manchester United, Old Trafford, Thiago Alcantara

Manchester United linked to Bayern Munich duo who could strengthen the midfield and the attack

18 July 2018 by Mike Wilson

Manchester United are reportedly plotting what is said to be a huge double swoop for Bayern Munich duo Thiago Alcantara and Robert Lewandowski this summer. It has been suggested that the Spanish and Poland internationals are both being made available by the Bundesliga champions this summer but that there would be a lot of competition for United and other teams interested in the pair. Jose Mourinho is apparently desperate to strengthen his midfield and attack this summer and the pair could do just that.

The reports come from the Independent, which in my opinion would cast a massive cloud over the fact that this is nothing but speculation. Many see Miguel Delaney as a trustworthy journalist but whenever he writes speculatory articles such as this, they tend to be more speculation than fact. You might feel differently about his knowledge and connections which may make him credible but personally, I just don’t see anything like this materialising.

United have been linked with Thiago Alcantara before, seemingly coming close to signing the player in the summer of 2013, with the player opting to sign for Bayern Munich from Barcelona instead, despite Spanish teammate David De Gea playing a part in the player coming to the club. United have also been linked with the Spaniard earlier this summer, which may have been something likely if United did not sign Fred and Marouane Fellaini had not signed a new contract at the club.

Robert Lewandowski is a player United have been linked with in the past. The summer Robin van Persie made the move from Arsenal, United were linked to the Polish international but nothing seemed to materialise. In the years gone by, United have continued to be linked with Lewandowski but nothing seems to have continued those reports. Earlier this summer, it was reported that the Pole would be up for leaving Bayern Munich but recently that seems to have cooled with suggestions the player could stay put.

However, Lewandowski has been targeted by both Real Madrid and Chelsea, who could rival United if these reports are actually true. Real Madrid has the money to spend this summer with Cristiano Ronaldo leaving for Juventus, despite suggestions that both Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard could be on their way to the Santiago Bernabeu. Chelsea may also be seeking to strengthen their frontline with Maurizio Sarri now managing the club and suggestions that Alvaro Morata could return to Juventus, which could see Gonzalo Higuaín move to London.

If anything, Thiago could be a target for United. However, United will be waiting to see if Barcelona make a move to re-sign the Spanish midfielder, which could be the move he opts for instead. United will need to get something done in the transfer window this summer as the signing of Diogo Dalot, Fred, and Lee Grant will not be enough to put them on par with Premier League champions Manchester City. There will need to be something much bigger happening in the background for something like that to happen.

United are still currently linked to Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale, which again seems to be something we have seen before. No deal likely to happen. Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld could be something similar despite United being linked with the player all summer. The fee Spurs want for the Belgian is considered to be too high, considering that the player can leave the club for £25 million next summer. With this in mind, it could mean that both United and Spurs could actually do a deal before the window closes on the 9 August 2018.

Filed Under: First Team, Managers, News, Opinion, Transfer Rumours Tagged With: Bayern Munich, Jose Mourinho, Manchester United, Old Trafford, Robert Lewandowski, Thiago Alcantara

Thiago Alcantara on the radar for Manchester United as Bayern hint at selling a midfielder this summer

14 June 2018 by Mike Wilson

Manchester United have been linked with a former midfield target in the newspapers on Thursday. Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara, a target for United under the management of David Moyes five years ago. Back then, it seemed certain that the Spanish international would be heading to Manchester after a message written on a ball from the UEFA U20 European Championships by United goalkeeper David De Gea after Spain won the competition.

However, after a summer of bumbling, Alcantara signed for Bayern Munich instead with United targeting a number of players, which ended with the signing of Marouane Fellaini from Everton for £27.5 million, £4 million more expensive than the Belgian would have been at the start of the transfer window that summer. The 27-year-old midfielder has been linked to United, Manchester City, and a return to Barcelona this summer.

Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has spoken about the player, insisting that no club has contacted them for the Spanish international, leaving a hint to suggest that as the club is stacked for midfielders, they could opt to sell him or one of his teammates. Reported by Sport Bild in Germany, Rummenigge said:

“No club has contacted us, nor Thiago. We still plan with him. However, I must say the midfield is stacked. We have 3 or 4 places for 9 players. The squad is great, but if we sell players, I don’t rule out that we will do something in the market.”

Obviously, this does not guarantee anything, it is merely a hint which talks about the strength of Bayern’s midfield with nine players attempting to fit into the formation, which has three or four midfielders. That is some strength-in-depth at the Bundesliga champions, who have won the title six times in a row now. It is hard to ascertain as to whether United are actually interested in the Spaniard this summer. I would suggest the truth into these rumours would be unlikely.

If Alcantara was to leave Bayern this summer, a return to Barcelona could be fitting for the 27-year-old or even a move to City, where he would be managed once again by Pep Guardiola, the manager who took him to the German champions. There is nothing to suggest that the player is unhappy at the club, also no guarantee that Bayern would sell him, just that they would think about it if an offer came for any of their midfield players.

One player recently linked to United is defender Jerome Boateng. On Wednesday, Rummenigge confirmed that the club would listen to ‘important’ offers for the 29-year-old, who has previously played in the Premier League for Manchester City, winning the FA Cup before leaving based on his playing position, seemingly played in the right-back position when a central role in defence was what he wanted, and got at Bayern, winning 14 major honours, including the UEFA Champions League during his career at the Bavarian club.