Liverpool are willing to offload Thiago Alcantara amid interest from the Saudi Arabia league, with Southampton’s Romeo Lavia the next midfielder on Jurgen Klopp’s radar.
Thiago has one year remaining on his current deal, and Liverpool have no intention of extending his terms. That makes a sale this summer more enticing than allowing the 32-year-old to leave on a free transfer next year.
Saudi clubs have expressed a desire to talk to the midfielder and have found Liverpool receptive to the idea of Thiago moving on should he wish.
His decision may influence whether Klopp spends big on a third midfielder during this transfer window having already committed £95 million on Alexis McAllister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Versatile, young and multi-faceted midfielders were always Klopp’s first priority ahead of next season. Longer-term, a specialist number 6 is also under consideration, but depends on how many of the current squad leave between now and August.
Liverpool have Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, teenager Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago who have – at different times – all filled the deeper midfield role. Liverpool’s recruiters are mindful of the age profile of those in that critical position, and while Henderson and Fabinho remain the senior players, Thiago would face a battle for playing time in the season ahead given Liverpool’s recruitment has targeted those who are more direct competition for him place.
The Saudi move for Thiago increases the possibility of Liverpool making a formal approach for Lavia, but his valuation of £50 million is currently considered too prohibitive for Klopp to make a move. At this stage it seems unlikely that Liverpool will make a bid without raising money from sales, especially as Klopp would also like to add a young defender before the start of this season.
No matter how much of a transfer fee Liverpool received, Thiago is one of the club’s highest earners, commanding in excess of £10 million a year.
What does seem clearer is if Liverpool do make another midfield signing, Lavia is the most likely as he is a long-term target and fits the club’s profile. As with Szoboszlai, Liverpool would also need to act soon in order to fend off interest from other clubs. It is understood Manchester City inserted a buy-back clause in Lavia’s contract which becomes active in 2024.
Thiago hinted his days at Anfield may be drawing to a close by removing Liverpool from his Instagram profile on Monday.
Signed from Bayern Munich for a bargain of £20 million, his first season was interrupted by injury, but he came to the fore during the quadruple bid in 2022. Last year was more disappointing as injuries again took their toll.
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