Journalist shares what Xavi has decided about Thiago Alcantara joining Barcelona

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Barcelona manager Xavi has decided that Liverpool’s Thiago Alcantara is no longer a transfer target.

Thiago has been rumoured to be on Barca’s radar as he enters the final year of his Anfield contract. With interest in the 32-year-old also arriving from Saudi Arabia, it’s still unclear if Thiago will see out that year with the Reds.

As Jurgen Klopp prepares to lose Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, he could really do with his No.6 staying. And thankfully, Spanish journalist Javi Miguel has taken to Twitter to play down any Thiago to Barca links.

“Thiago Alcantara is not an option right now for Xavi, despite being a talented home player,” says Miguel. “His past of injuries hinder any possibility.”

Without his injuries, there’s likely no chance Liverpool would be entertaining losing him, anyway. But on this occasion, they’ve saved us from another real headache in midfield.

Thiago set for Liverpool stay

Put simply, Liverpool cannot afford to lose Thiago this summer. Previous to the Fabinho and Henderson situations, the Spain international had actually looked the most likely of that trio to leave.

But with his midfield partners surprisingly set to exit Anfield, Thiago’s importance has grown immeasurably.

He may struggle with injuries, but you’re still getting 25-30 games out of him per season. With new legs around him, that could prove absolutely invaluable to Liverpool.

The former Bayern Munich man will perhaps be disappointed to have dropped into the Europa League for the first time in his career.

But in truth, the failure to qualify for the Champions League will likely be of benefit to him. Klopp will probably experiment with his Europa League XI’s, especially in the early stages of the competition.

That should mean Thiago will get more time to rest and recuperate between Premier League games. On his day and fully firing, he’s still one of the most talented midfielders in world football. People would do well to remember that.

His presence for Liverpool’s pre-season camp this week despite still recovering from injury would suggest Thiago is going nowhere. Perhaps there’s a reunion at Barca on the way next year, but for now, he’s still ours. And we couldn’t be happier about it.