Thiago Alcantara wants real guarantees he'll play

Posted Saturday, July 06, 2013 by Marca.com

Thiago Alcantara doesn't want to carry on at Barcelona. It is a well-known secret following a season in which he has played very little, and hardly ever in big games. One thing is sure, this situation is unlikely to change next season as he'll have to fight for a place with Iniesta, Xavi and Fàbregas.

The player has been looking to find a way out for some time now, given that the release clause written into his contract has come down to €18 million on account of his not having played a certain number of games.

The main stumbling block in the negotiations certainly hasn't been the player's salary. Thiago takes home a net sum of €1.8 million per season at Barcelona and his earnings will surely increase wherever he goes.

The main bone of contention has to do with the player's insistence on being given guarantees that he'll play next season.

The club most interested in signing him is Manchester United, who made it clear from the very outset that it was willing to pay the €18 million to release him. David Moyes is counting on it and has assured the player that he will get a lot of playing time, although he can't give any greater guarantee than that.

Thiago will announce his decision shortly, but United look best placed to signing him.