Hansi Flick wants to sign Liverpool star as Barcelona player-assistant

James Shearman

• Updated: 26 May 2024 14:16 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona are rumoured to be close to appointing Hansi Flick as their new head coach.

This comes after the news that club legend Xavi Hernandez is set to be relieved of his duties.

And, it seems that Flick is already planning for next season, with Spanish outlet AS reporting that he is keen on Liverpool's Thiago Alcantara.

The Spaniard only made one Premier League appearance in the 2023-24 season as he continually suffered with injuries.

His contract at Anfield is set to expire next month and the Merseyside club have shown no interest in keeping him.

However, Flick wants to make the 33-year-old a player-assistant at Camp Nou.

Thiago speaks both Spanish and German, and is wanted by Flick as a link between the players and the coaching staff.

READ MORE: Latest Liverpool transfer rumours

Barcelona want another Liverpool player

Barcelona are also interested in Liverpool forward Luis Diaz, who would be sporting director Deco's 'dream' summer signing.

The report goes on to say that Barca would be willing to part ways with Raphinha in order to fund a move.

Raphinha has performed fairly well for Barcelona since making the €60 million move from Leeds two seasons ago.

However, Deco clearly believes that Diaz, who provided 18 goal contributions for Liverpool this season, would be an upgrade.

As is always the case with Barcelona at the moment, the finances of the deal would be problematic, but they should have no issue with persuading Diaz to join them.