Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara has reportedly emerged as a prime target for Julen Lopetegui’s Real Madrid.
There has been a lot of speculation surrounding the future of some star players at Bayern Munich this summer. It was reported at the beginning of the transfer window that the Bavarians would be ready to listen to offers for some of their big names, which was confirmed when Arturo Vidal was sold to Barcelona last week.
Thiago Alcantara is another midfielder who has been linked with a move away from the club this summer. Despite being apparently happy at the club, some reports — including those by Sport Bild‘s Christian Falk — have suggested he wants a return to Spain. Others reports that the Bavarians would sell their midfield star if a good offer arrives.
That could soon happen, as Spanish radio Onda Cero reports that Thiago has already agreed personal terms with Real Madrid. The Champions League winners have not yet opened discussions with Bayern regarding the fee for the midfielder, though. Los Blancos want Thiago to replace Mateo Kovacic, who joined Chelsea a few days ago on a one-year loan deal.
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Thiago struggled with injury problems last season as he was out of action for more than three months. After completing his rehabilitation, the Spaniard was not able to get straight into the lineup.
His performances were being constantly criticized, perhaps a bit unfairly, by the end of the season. Lothar Matthaus, never one to shy away from putting his own name in the headlines, went so far as to claim his former club should sell Thiago because he isn’t capable of delivering in the big games.
Thiago has always claimed that he wants to stay in Bavaria for a long time. During the World Cup, however, he remained tight-lipped about his future at the club. Many believed a move back to his boyhood club Barcelona could be on the cards. However, the Catalans never made a move for the player, instead going for his teammate, Arturo Vidal.
Manchester United were also briefly linked with Thiago, but that move is off the table as the Premier League transfer window is shut. If anyone is going to sign Thiago this summer, it’s going to be Real Madrid.
While Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has said the club could be open to more departures this summer, Niko Kovac is satisfied with the shape and size of his squad. Bayern are unlikely to replace Thiago if he moves to Real Madrid, as they already have several options in midfield. But it’d a real surprise to see him leave the club at this point in the summer.