What does the future hold for Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara?

As the new season approaches, there are still many question marks around the future of Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara.

Thiago has been at the center of transfer talk for a season now, after Bayern Munich moved to bring in James Rodriguez and recent World Cup winner Corentin Tolisso last summer. Both Tolisso and James had solid debut seasons in Munich, while Thiago spent most of the season injured.

This intensified reports that the Spaniard could soon leave the club with Spanish outlets such as Sport saying the player favors a move back to Barcelona. The issue was even further compounded with the arrival of Leon Goreztka at Bayern.

The young German’s arrival means there are eight players fighting for three midfield positions in Bavaria. These players are all of very high caliber, and none would be satisfied with merely rotational roles.

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Thiago’s major opportunity to show he is a level above his competitors came at the World Cup. Before the tournament, Thiago was a mainstay in the Spanish national side. However, this changed drastically when coach Julen Lopetegui was sacked days before the start of the World Cup and replaced by Fernando Hierro. The Bayern man had only two starts in Spain’s five matches at the World Cup. This did no good for Thiago’s value.

In the current market, there are many teams being linked with the midfielder, such as the Manchester clubs — both United and City have been linked with a move for Thiago. Real Madrid are also in the hunt for him according to Marca, who believe that Julen Lopetegui wants to reunite with his favored player.

Finally, there is Barcelona, who may be the favorite for Thiago because he developed at La Masia. Furthermore, the exits of Andres Iniesta and Paulinho mean there is room in the Catalan midfield.

Thiago, Bayern and Niko Kovac are now at a point that a decision on the player has to be made. Ideally Niko Kovac may not sell any player for now. He may use his “honeymoon period” to feel out the team and figure out who fits in his long term plans. Thiago also has a chance in the team because Kovac’s system may favor the use of more midfielders than were used under Jupp Heynckes.

Thiago still has three years remaining on his contract, and if it doesn’t work out for him this season, Bayern could still get value for him.

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Thiago and Bayern have some big decisions to make after a season that saw unfortunate injuries force the player out of his spot in the starting lineup. He could be on his way out of Munich this summer. But there is still some hope for Thiago staying at Bayern with new manager Niko Kovac, who may want to feel things out before making a solid decision on the future of any player.