Bayern Munich are expected to demand at least £54million if they are to sell midfielder Thiago Alcantara, who has been linked with a surprise move to the Premier League champions-in-waiting Liverpool.
A report in Germany claims Thiago has shown ‘reluctance’ to negotiate a deal with Bayern, despite almost every detail being agreed, with the Spaniard expressing interest in a move to Anfield. .
Update @fcbayern and Thiago: Team rumored to want to join @LFC @SPORTBILD
— Christian Faulk (@cfbayern) June 24, 2020
According to Kicker, Jurgen Klopp’s interest in landing Thiago has already reached Bayern officials, who are adamant that the 29-year-old can be bought on the cheap this summer despite his contract expiring in 2021. They will not be pressured to sell.
Instead, the German champions will only listen to offers above £54m for Thiago as they have decided they would like to replace him with Bayer Leverkusen’s Kai Havertz, who could cost around £90m.
It’s worth noting that Bayern are not reacting too much to Thiago’s decision to pull out of negotiations. He remains under contract until 2021 and it is understood he could yet be persuaded to extend his stay at the Allianz Arena.
Thiago still has a year left on his contract/DeFoddy Images/Getty Images
However, Bild added that Thiago has already said goodbye to some of his teammates, suggesting that he has already made up his mind.
A return to Barcelona has also been suggested, but with Quique Setien’s pursuit of Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic and the Catalan’s well-documented financial drama, it looks like that door may be closed.
Given the cost of any deal, a move to Liverpool would be a huge surprise for Thiago.
The Reds were forced to pull out of negotiations for top target Timo Werner because they were reluctant to meet his £50million release clause, so they have to spend a similar amount on the player, who turns 30 next year. The idea of doing seems a bit far-fetched. brought
Jurgen Klopp has spoken of his reluctance to spend big this summer / Sean Bottrell / Getty Images
Klopp has previously admitted that spending big money on a new player this summer would be highly controversial as Liverpool have asked their players to take a pay cut to deal with the coronavirus crisis.
All signs suggest that won’t happen, but with Adam Lallana and Xherdan Shaqiri departing this summer, Naby Keita’s future is still in slight doubt and with James Milner, 35, adding to the midfield next season. Could add to Liverpool’s list. Recruiting preferences
Meanwhile, Gini Wijnaldum is yet to sign terms to extend his contract beyond 2021, although reports in recent weeks claim the Reds are hopeful of a deal this summer.
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