Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli have today submitted a £10m bid to sign Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara.
Thiago’s future has been subject to much speculation this summer, as he enters the final year of his deal at Anfield. But up until now, it’s been thought that Liverpool would keep hold of the 32-year-old for one last year.
Now though, according to L’Equipe, their resolve to do that may have just been tested.
They claim that in ‘recent hours,’ Al Ahli have put forward an offer for Thiago. The proposal is reportedly thought to be around £10m.
The Spaniard is the fourth Liverpool player to be targeted by the Saudi Pro League clubs this summer. Jordan Henderson and Fabinho left for Al Ettifaq and Al Ittihad respectively, while interest in Luis Diaz from Al Hilal never got off the ground. Meanwhile, former Red Roberto Firmino is already at Al Ahli.
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Al Ahli submit Thiago offer
With the news of Chelsea’s bid for Romeo Lavia last night, this is the absolute last thing that Liverpool need right now.
Of course, there’s no onus on them to accept the bid for Thiago. The player himself is reportedly still committed to Liverpool and isn’t pushing to leave.
So, that should really leave the Reds with an easy decision to make: reject, reject, reject.
Had this offer come in before Henderson and Fabinho made their respective exits, then it might have been different.
But with Liverpool now two midfielders down and without and incoming on the horizon, Thiago must really be kept at all costs.
If an arrival, such as Lavia, does arrive, then it shouldn’t change that stance. Should two players be brought in, then the Reds may start to consider.
With Thiago now back in full team training ahead of the new season though, we’re looking forward to seeing him back on the pitch soon. As Mark Lawrenson told Off The Ball in May, he’s still ‘world-class.’ If Liverpool do end up accepting this, then they’d be truly mad.