As Liverpool prepare for life after Jurgen Klopp, they do so with the worry of who may yet follow him out of the Anfield exit door.
After Klopp’s announcement on Friday, Liverpool supporters’ world’s have been turned upside down. Where things were certain, they now feel anything but.
One thing that had felt beyond doubt before last week was that midfielder Thiago Alcantara would be leaving the Reds upon the expiration of his contract in the summer.
Having not played at all this season, it seemed impossible that Thiago would see his contract extended. As we exclusively revealed, a move to Inter Miami looked like it might be on the cards.
Nevertheless, as per Fabrizio Romano today, a decision is yet to be taken on the 32-year-old’s future. With both manager and sporting director roles set to be vacant, there is seemingly a chance that Thiago could stay.
The inference is that this will be dependent on the new manager and director. And if that is the case, then there’s one man who could make all the difference for Liverpool’s No.6.
Alonso set to save Thiago
As the hunt for Klopp’s successor gets underway, Xabi Alonso has emerged as the undisputed front-runner.
This will be great news for Reds of a certain age, who will clearly remember Alonso as the classy, accomplished midfielder he was over five years at Anfield. But it may also be the best news that Thiago could receive.
In light of the news that the Spain international has rejected multiple offers to leave Liverpool, it seems possible that his wish is to stay at the club beyond this summer.
There were suggestions that Jurgen Klopp might want to keep Thiago around a little longer. But as we know, Klopp usually defers to those above him where these matters are concerned. At 32, on massive wages and rarely ever fit, it seems unlikely that FSG would sanction an extension for the former Barcelona man.
Obviously, something will have to be done about those wages, but Alonso would possibly have the power to determine that Thiago stays. The job may become more attractive to Xabi if a man he spent three years at Bayern Munich with is on the playing staff.
Somewhat similar in their styles – and of course former national team colleagues too – Thiago and Alonso are kindred spirits. If the manager were to put his foot down and make a new contract for Thiago a provision of him taking the job, FSG would surely bow to that.
Who’s to say that the ownership won’t even use Thiago as an ‘agent’ in convincing Alonso to up sticks at Bayer Leverkusen and head to Anfield.
As Klopp said recently, Thiago is an ‘exceptional’ footballer. Smart as they come, maybe the Liverpool man even has designs on becoming a coach? All of this could be on the table if Alonso arrives. If not, there’s surely no way Thiago is at Anfield next season.
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