Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeneß has accused Liverpool and Manchester United of ‘blackmail’ by allegedly reaching a deal for midfielder Thiago Alcantara without first talking to Bayern.
It is Liverpool who are understood to have been leading the race for Thiago all summer but United have recently joined the fray, with reports suggesting the two teams have been linked with a move for the player. What is the agreement with if he joins either side?
Thiago is being chased by Liverpool and United/Handout/Getty Images
It’s all gotten a little ugly now. Thiago’s public insistence that he had not already told team-mates that he was leaving Bayern this summer attracted a Bild article titled ‘Why is Thiago lying? ‘, and now Hoeneß has targeted his suitors for covert tactics.
“Thiago had a great four-year offer with us,” he told Sport1 (via Sport.de ). A few days later he said he was looking for a bigger challenge.
“He is believed to be signing with Liverpool and Manchester United. The clubs have not contacted Bayern yet. This is not the style, they want to blackmail us. But even if Thiago leaves Kimmich, Gortzka and Müller will play. Then we have Tolisso, who was pushed back two years by injuries.”
It wasn’t just Liverpool and United that attracted Hoeneß’s ire. The Bayern chief also took the opportunity to hit out at David Alaba’s agent Penny Zahavi, claiming he is the only reason Alaba has not signed a new deal at the Allianz Arena.
“I had a coffee with Alaba a few weeks ago, but we haven’t come to a conclusion yet,” added Hoeneß. “He’s a great guy, Hansi Flick really wants to keep him. Everyone wants him to be with us, he’s a great player, but he’s got the greedy piranha of a mentor. His dad, who I love so much. I do, let myself be. Affected by it.
Alaba has also been tipped to leave / Poll / Getty Images
“It’s all about the money. If you knew what Mr. Zahavi was asking for himself — in the double-digit million range just for David’s signature — it’s just not possible. I understand that.” [sporting director] Hasan Salihamidžić became completely disgusted with her during the conversation.
“I hope David and his dad think a four or five-year contract with Byrne is best for him to make sure he fits into our salary structure. Then everyone is happy. Will be happy, but they will screw up our salary structure. That’s why the club will have to be very tough on him.”
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