Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been speaking out about Thiago Alcantara’s links with Liverpool and has sent a clear message to the Premier League champions.
The Spanish midfielder is said to be keen on a new challenge after spending seven years at the Bundesliga giants, in which he has won the league every single season he has been in Germany.
Kicker previously revealed that both Thiago and Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp are eager for the move to happen, but it is the board room at Anfield that is holding up proceedings due to financial issues, with the club having to sell players before they bring anyone else in.
Bayern Munich take on Chelsea in the Champions League tonight and his side go into the game after a 3-0 victory in the first leg back in February.
Speaking in his side’s pre-match press conference (cited by the Mirror), Neuer is keen for Thiago to stay in Munich for the foreseeable future.
Can Liverpool sign Thiago this summer?
Yes, get the deal done Edwards
No, will be too expensive
“I hope that it won’t be one of the last matches of Thiago”, Bayern’s number one said.
“He had to undergo surgery at the end of the [Bundesliga] season [in June] but now he’s back and 100 per cent.
“He’s a very valuable player for us, especially in ball possession. He’s very important for us. He’s our engine in midfield actually.”
Talented Spaniard
Quotes like these from someone as established as Neuer illustrates how essential Thiago is to Bayern and the way that they play and how talented he is.
His manager Hansi Flick echoed his comments and said that he understands the situation that Thiago finds himself in but will understand if he wants to make a move to the Premier League.
Bayern are holding out for £32m but the Reds only value him at around £18m who has one year left on his current contract, and could leave for free next summer if a new deal at the Allianz is not negotiated.
Despite the current struggles, Liverpool must do all that they can to bring Thiago in, now that his price has been discounted. Not only will he improve the squad’s strength in depth, but will also be a mentor for the younger players coming through such as Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott.