Juventus show interest in Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara
Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara, rumored to be leaving the club this summer, is reportedly attracting interest from Italian giants Juventus.
Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago is reportedly ready to leave the club this summer, and the club is also reportedly open to sell the player. However, CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge recently dismissed these claims and insisted that the Spaniard remains in their plans for the next season.
Barcelona have been heavily linked with Thiago. Reports have suggested that the Spaniard wants to return to the club of his boyhood. Although the future of the versatile midfielder is likely to be sorted after the World Cup, transfer rumors are still surfacing. Juventus are the latest club linked with a move for Thiago.
According to a report in Tuttosport (via Calciomercato), the Italian giants are monitoring Thiago’s situation at Bayern. The interest is not concrete, though, as any move for Thiago will depend on the future of Miralem Pjanic. Juventus are likely to resist offers for the Bosnian midfielder. However, if a high bid arrives for Pjanic then Juventus might look to replace him with Thiago.
More from Bayern Strikes
- Bayern Munich: Tactical takeaways from 2-2 draw against Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayern Munich: Kingsley Coman set to be fit for Manchester United clash
- Bayern Munich unlikely to move for Trevoh Chalobah in January
- Bayern Munich: Key lessons from draw against Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayern Munich remains keen on hiring Max Eberl
Juventus and Bayern Munich have conducted a lot of business in the past few seasons. The Italian giants most recently confirmed the permanent transfer of Douglas Costa from Bavaria. Juventus might have an upper hand over other clubs if they try to pursue Thiago this summer.
Apart from Juventus and Barcelona, Spanish media has also linked Thiago with Real Madrid. On Thursday, Marca confirmed these reports. The Madrid-based newspaper reported that Thiago is not a priority transfer for the Champions League winners, but interest is there. Real Madrid will only move for Thiago if Mateo Kovacic agitates for a move this summer. The Croatian midfielder is reportedly unhappy with his lack of game time at Real Madrid.
Thiago has endured mixed fortunes during his five years at Bayern Munich. The Spaniard struggled with injury problems in the first two years under Pep Guardiola. In the other three years, he has been a crucial player for Bayern. Carlo Ancelotti made Thiago the main man in his midfield during the ’16-17 season, and the club extended his contract till 2021.
Next: The Bavarian Collective: How should Germany line up against Sweden?
Bayern Munich have already signed a midfielder this summer. Leon Goretzka is set to arrive at the club after his contract with Schalke expires at the end of this month. The Bavarians are very heavy in the midfield department, so it is not surprising that they are reportedly ready to offload Thiago this summer. The Spaniard is entering his prime years and has many suitors across Europe. Bayern will be hoping to start a bidding war for the Spanish international and get the most out of this deal.