Liverpool have made it crystal clear on numerous occasions that there are a number of factors that must be met before the club pursue a potential transfer.
Factors such as price, age, reliability and plausibility are a number of key criteria Liverpool will weigh together before any form of interest in player begins to materialise.
Even for top-quality players such as Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago, Liverpool will need to consider all possibilities before striking a move.
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY – APRIL 17: Thiago of Bayern celebrates after he scores the 4th goal during the DFB Cup semi final match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Bayern Munchen at BayArena on April 17, 2018 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Numerous reports have linked the Spaniard with a move to Anfield despite Jurgen Klopp stating that the club are expecting to have a quiet transfer window and that the squad will be expanded internally rather than externally with top-players from other clubs.
Respected journalist and author, Simon Hughes recently gave his verdict on Liverpool potentially striking a deal for the former Barcelona talent.
He claimed that the deal will have to stack up on a financial level and that Liverpool’s interest in the midfielder could be linked to Georginio Wijnaldum’s unresolved contract situation.
Speaking on The Athletic’s Red Agenda podcast, he said: “Liverpool are playing things pretty close to their chest at the moment. The deal would have to stack up financially for it to happen.
“It does sort of go against the methods and beliefs they have adopted up to this point. Thiago is 29-years-old so people might think that his best years are behind him potentially but it just depends how the manager evaluates his current status in the game.
“If you could get a player of Thiago’s quality for two or three seasons, top-level quality for £30-35 million its not the worst deal in the world. Liverpool are in a really good position to go and attract these sort of players.
“A lot of it depends on Georginio Wijnaldum’s contract still not being resolved. I do wonder to what extent that is related to this supposed interest. He is a crucial player for Jurgen Klopp so he may think he needs a player of experience in that position.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MARCH 11: Georginio Wijnaldum of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Liverpool FC and Atletico Madrid at Anfield on March 11, 2020 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Is there something we are missing?
The Guardian reported last month that talks between Wijnaldum and Liverpool over a contract had begun but have stalled in recent weeks.
The Netherlands international, who will be 30 in November, is in line for a contract to 2024 or 2025, with wages not expected to be a stumbling block between the two parties.
The report claims that Wijnaldum – who joined for £25 million in 2016 – wants assurances he would continue to be regarded as a key player for the Premier League champions before entering into discussions to extend his career at Anfield.
Wijnaldum and Thiago are the same age and both players have adopted a similar playing style. Both players are extremely elegant and look to utilise the ball with high-quality passing and the ability to retain possession.
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 19: Thiago Alcántara of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrates after scoring his sides third goal during the Bundesliga match between Hertha BSC and FC Bayern Muenchen at Olympiastadion on January 19, 2020 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Pursuit remains uncertain
Every day there are conflicting claims over Thiago’s future and possible price tag. The player is approaching the twilight of his career and the player’s age could lead to a stand-off regarding wages.
We suspect that there is an interest in Thiago but that Liverpool are still miles off regarding whether the midfielder will be considered a priority for the club’s transfer committee this summer.
All we ask is that Liverpool do not drag it out until the transfer deadline of October 5. For all involved, it would be sensible for a quick resolution. Either there is concrete evidence or this case can be dismissed.
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