Romano provides vital transfer update on forgotten Liverpool star

Cameron Smith

• 21 Jan 2024 14:36 GMT
• 3 min read

Brazilian outfit Flamengo are not in talks to sign Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara, despite reports to the contrary.

That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who has reported that the Spaniard will not depart Jurgen Klopp’s side to join Flamengo this month.

Thiago, 32, has not played a single minute of action so far this season due to a hip injury suffered in early 2023, and he has been heavily linked with a January exit as his current contract at Anfield expires in June.

However, Flamengo will not be signing the former Bayern Munich midfielder.

Transfer expert Romano reported on X: “Understand there’s nothing at all into rumours of Thiago Alcantara joining Flamengo in January. No talks, no board trip to England to negotiate. Zero.

Flamengo were focused on their next signing, Matías Viña. Almost done.”

In a separate post, Romano also added further context regarding Flamengo’s pursuit of Vina. “Flamengo have agreed deal to sign Matías Viña,”he said. “AS Roma will receive €8m fee plus add-ons.

“Contracts being prepared and here we go for the Uruguayan LB.”

Thiago to leave Liverpool?

Thiago has endured several injury problems over the last few years, with the Spaniard missing over 75 games through injury since moving to Anfield in 2020.

The 32-year-old has made 97 appearances for the club, scoring three goals and providing six assists.

Although he may well be included in Klopp’s first-choice starting XI when fully fit, Liverpool signed four central midfielders during the summer transfer window to bolster their options in the middle of the park.

Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister are arguably all best-suited to Thiago’s left-sided number eight position, while youngster Stefan Bajcetic is also yet to return to fitness and he could replace his countryman at Liverpool.

Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq have also been linked with a move for Thiago following Jordan Henderson’s shock move to Ajax.