Barcelona act fast after Gavi's injury and plot spectacular return

Imre Himmelbauer

Updated: 21 Nov 2023 19:36 GMT
3 min read

Thiago Alcántara may be in line for a return to Barcelona, reports ESPN.

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The 32-year-old Spaniard was one of the key players in Liverpool's midfield in his earlier years but has increasingly faded into the background. At Anfield, they will probably accept a winter departure, as Thiago is out of contract at the end of the season.

The midfielder is currently struggling with a knee injury, but will probably be fit again in December. Barcelona are looking for a new midfielder after the injury of Gavi, who will be out for the rest of the season with a serious knee problem.

The Spanish Football Association allows clubs to loan a player from another club or to bring back a player on loan in the event of a serious injury. That player may earn a maximum of eighty per cent of the injured player's salary.

Thiago went through the entire youth system of Barcelona and made his debut for the club on May 17, 2009 in the 2-1 loss against RCD Mallorca. Ultimately, he would play a hundred games for the Catalans, scoring 11 times and setting up 20 goals.

In the summer of 2013, Pep Guardiola, who had just been appointed head coach of Bayern Munich, decided to take the playmaker with him to Bavaria for €25 million.

Thiago alternatives

Thiago is seen as the main option, but Barcelona are also looking at other players. Guido Rodríguez of Real Betis and Jorginho of Arsenal are mentioned as possible winter reinforcements. However, they both act in a more defensive role than Gavi, which means they are seen more as targets for the summer market than direct replacements for the youngster.

Sport reported last week that Barcelona are also considering bringing back Pablo Torre from Girona, who are loaning the 20-year-old Spaniard from their Catalan neighbours this season. Torre was loaned to the unexpected LaLiga table-toppers to gain playing time.

However, little has come of this so far: the counter stands at 119 minutes, spread over 8 matches. The Spain youth international has not yet been allowed to start in a single match.