Thiago Alcantara has no plans to leave Liverpool anytime soon, despite rumours about a return to Barcelona last summer.
That’s according to journalist Fabrizio Romano. Writing for Anfield Watch, Romano claims that Thiago is ‘enjoying life’ on Merseyside and that in fact, leaving Liverpool has never crossed his mind.
After a difficult first season at Anfield in 2020/21, there were rumours of Barcelona plotting to bring the 31-year-old back to Catalonia.
But according to Romano, Thiago sees his future ‘only at Anfield.’ The midfielder is reportedly keen for continuity at Liverpool, and both he and The Reds board see a ‘long-term’ project together.
Difficulties adapting a thing of the past
What a difference Thiago has made to Liverpool this season. There were sections of the media, and no doubt of the supporters, who had written him off after failing to make an impact last season.
Injuries and Covid disrupted his settling-in period at the club. With the team decimated by injury, he was often playing in-front of makeshift defences and couldn’t get up to speed with what Jurgen Klopp expects of his midfield.
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There were flashes of brilliance, but by and large it was a disappointing first impression.
As a result, it was unsurprising to see rumours of a switch back to Barcelona last summer. Liverpool had broken their policy of signing younger players with potential re-sale value to sign Thiago, and it looked as though it may be best to put it down as a failed experiment.
Luckily, that never happened. Despite again struggling for rhythm this season, Thiago has come into his own in the final third of the season.
One of Klopp’s best signings
The quality, experience and leadership of the serial winner have been vital in ensuring Liverpool continue to keep their dreams of a quadruple alive.
Recent performances have been nothing short of stunning. On this kind of form, he is without doubt one of the best midfielders on the planet. His manager certainly thinks so – only yesterday Klopp called him ‘outstanding’ via BBC Sport.
Liverpool are reportedly planning a revamp of their midfield over the coming transfer windows. Although he’s now into his thirties, any new signings will surely be attracted to playing with The Reds maestro in the middle of the park.
It’s fantastic to hear that he is fully on-board for the long-term at Anfield. Having lost a year to the pandemic, he seems to have fully immersed himself in the culture of the club.
If Thiago keeps going at Liverpool deep into the autumn of his career, he could well go down as one of Klopp’s best ever signings.