Barcelona offer to Thiago casts new light on decision to leave Liverpool

Barcelona are considering a move for Thiago Alcantara so he can act as a liaison between the dressing room and new head coach Hansi Flick because he speaks fluent German

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Barcelona are considering an offer for departing Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara despite some club officials being pessimistic about his ability to perform at the highest level.

Thiago will officially become a free agent on June 30 when his contract at Anfield expires after the club chose against offering him a short-term deal. He announced before the Premier League season concluded last weekend that he would be moving on after four injury interrupted seasons on Merseyside.

And while Barca has emerged as a potential destination for the 33-year-old, Spanish newspaper AS report that is at least partly with Hansi Flick’s impending arrival as head coach in mind.

Thiago is fluent in German because of his successful period at Bayern Munich and some at the Catalan giants think he could act as a liaison between the new boss and players.

But Barca are also being linked with another former Bayern midfielder in Javi Martinez, who turns 36 in September and has most recently been playing in Qatar - for the same reason that he is a Spain native fluent in German.

Thiago made just a single appearance in the season just gone having appeared in only 18 league games the campaign before. Across four seasons he made only 98 appearances owing to constant injuries.

That has fuelled the doubts he can continue to play at a top level and regardless of his eventual next destination is expected to take a major pay cut.

Confirming his Anfield departure last week, Thiago said in a message to fans: “Appreciation and gratitude – they are two words that come to mind on the day I have to say goodbye to all of you, Reds. “Thankful, too.

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“Thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of this city, this club and this community. The continuous support I have received since day one has been incredible: Anfield cheering, the Kop chanting… amazing, overwhelming. A very unique fan base for a unique club.

“These past four years have been a time of learning for me and my family. Some wins, some defeats, but without a doubt, a life-changing experience. Teammates, coaches, staff and club employees: you were all part of it.

“And to the fans, I don’t have the words. Just know you will have my deepest gratitude forever. Thank you, it was an honour. All the best always, Liverpool FC.”

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