Thiago in talks with surprise club as Liverpool exit looms

Jacque Talbot

16 Jan 2024 06:59 CST
2 min read

Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara. — © ProShots

Thiago is looking at a Liverpool exit as his father and agent are to hold a meeting with Flamengo's vice president.

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The Brazilian club’s executive, Marcos Braz, has the Reds veteran on his radar and his upcoming trip to Europe will conclude a discussion with Mazinho, a former player who is also Thiago’s father and manager. The 33-year-old is nearing the end of his contract with Liverpool, and his potential acquisition at Flamengo is high on the agenda, reports journalist Julio Miguel Neto via Colunadofla.

Barcelona midfielder made a significant move to Anfield in September 2020, departing from Bayern Munich, in a deal initially valued at £20 million but eventually reaching £25m with add-ons. Despite Jurgen Klopp's admiration for Thiago, he has had constant t injury setbacks, playing only 97 games to date.

Thiago's persistent hip problem has kept him sidelined since April, preventing his participation in any matches for the Reds this season. Klopp has already brought in four new midfielders during the summer.

With Thiago's contract set to expire soon, he is now open to negotiations with interested clubs abroad for a free transfer. Although a return to his former club Barcelona has been rumored, the likelihood of a deal this month seems slim due to Barcelona's financial constraints and Liverpool's desire to secure a fee.

Flamengo has expressed interest in bringing Thiago to the country of his father's birth. Despite representing Spain at the international level, Thiago's brother, Rafinha, chose to play for Brazil, just like their father, 1994 World Cup winner Mazinho. Flamengo is reportedly exploring the possibility of signing the player, though they harbor concerns about his recent fitness issues.

It is believed, too, that there is interest from Saudi Pro-League side Al-Ettifaq, managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, who is reportedly eyeing Thiago as a replacement for the unsettled Jordan Henderson.