How Tuchel crisis ruins Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool's transfer plans

Robin Bairner

• 21 Feb 2024 10:46 GMT
• 3 min read

Bayern Munich’s decision to part company with Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season is set to have far-reaching consequences in the transfer market for several major European sides, with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool among those caught in the crossfire.

Bayern announced the news on Wednesday, with the main surprise that the German is not leaving sooner given that FCB are in danger of losing their 11-season grip on the Bundesliga and are trailing 1-0 to Lazio in the last-16 of the Champions League after the first leg.

The former Borussia Dortmund, PSG and Chelsea boss had caused significant rifts within the club and his departure is set to heal some of these, potentially changing the destiny of several key figures along the way.

Indeed, the domino effect of Tuchel’s departure is set to be felt across Europe, throwing several deals into doubt.

Tuchel put three deals in jeopardy

Alphonso Davies to Real Madrid

Alphonso Davies had been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid amid reports of difficult relations with Tuchel, yet there is now an improved outlook for Bayern to retain the services of the exciting 23-year-old.

There is still the issue of a new contract to sort – Davies’ deal expires in June 2025 – but with Tuchel departing the scene, the prospects of a positive outcome here look rosier.

Joshua Kimmich to Barcelona

One of Bayern’s steadiest and most reliable players since arriving from Stuttgart for just €8.5 million in 2015, Kimmich’s time in Bavaria had been slipping towards an ugly end.

Like Davies, he is out of contract in 2025, opening the door to the possibility of a summer transfer. Barcelona had been linked with the 29-year-old, and while that deal was a long shot due to the Catalans’ financial issues, it is even more distant as Tuchel’s departure increases the possibility of the Germany international penning a new deal.

Xabi Alonso to Liverpool

Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso was clear favourite to take command of Liverpool when Jurgen Klopp leaves at the end of the season, yet Tuchel leaving Bayern offers the tantalising possibility of the Spaniard moving to another of his former clubs.

Liverpool may still remain favourites in the case of the debonair boss, but they will now have to work harder to secure his services.