Thiago to Liverpool: Transfer talks planned, Jurgen Klopp admission, Gini Wijnaldum impact - 7M sport

Thiago to Liverpool: Transfer talks planned, Jurgen Klopp admission, Gini Wijnaldum impact



Posted Thursday, August 27, 2020 by Express.co.uk

Liverpool have been linked with a move to sign Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich. Express Sport brings you all the latest with the Reds potentially set to make a £29million transfer swoop.

Thiago Alcantara has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool and looks set to leave Bayern Munich this summer. Bayern want in the region of £27million to £30m to sell Thiago, who has been a crucial component of their Bundesliga dominance during his seven years at the Allianz Arena.

But the 29-year-old midfielder wants a new challenge and Bayern would presumably prefer to sell him this summer than lose him on a free next year when his contract expires.

He has been tipped to link up with Premier League champions Liverpool with Jurgen Klopp known to be an admirer of the Spain international's talents.

Express Sport brings you all the latest as rumours continue to circle around Thiago joining the Merseyside club.

Bayern Munich update

Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has admitted Thiago looks likely to leave the Champions League winners - but insists Liverpool have not made an approach.

Thiago to Liverpool: Transfer talks planned, Jurgen Klopp admission, Gini Wijnaldum impact
Thiago to Liverpool: Transfer talks planned, Jurgen Klopp admission, Gini Wijnaldum impact (Image: GETTY)

He said: "We always read a lot about Liverpool, but they haven’t contacted us yet.

"Yesterday we had the meeting with our employees and his whole family was there, and they wandered around the square in great nostalgia [at the Allianz Arena], I would say.

"It looked a lot like goodbye, as if he had made up his mind.”

Bayern boss Hansi Flick meanwhile said: "I don’t know and he doesn’t know yet either [where his future lies], because we all focused on this Champions League final.

"I think we will have to wait what the following days will bring.”

Thiago to Liverpool: Transfer talks planned, Jurgen Klopp admission, Gini Wijnaldum impact
Thiago to Liverpool: Transfer talks planned, Jurgen Klopp admission, Gini Wijnaldum impact (Image: GETTY)

Liverpool talks planned

Despite Rummenigge's comments, it has been suggested Liverpool will step up their interest in the coming days.

German football expert Christian Falk, the head of football for BILD and Sport BILD, insists the Reds will make an approach imminently.

It follows a similar claim from BILD's chief reporter Tobi Altschaff that “the Liverpool transfer-offensive is expected in the coming days".

He added: "Neither Hansi Flick nor the board of directors have any signals or reasons for hope that Thiago will stay."

Jurgen Klopp admission

Liverpool manager Klopp was directly asked about a move for Thiago this summer - and was predictably coy in his response.

The German, who has so far only signed Greek left-back Kostas Tsimikas for just shy of £12m, said to Servus TV: "There are a lot of interesting players out there but if someone is interesting for us I can’t say right now.

"Due to Covid-19 you have to think five times about what you can and what you can’t do.

"We always have to pay attention to the financial aspect. We don’t know how much money will come in.

Thiago to Liverpool: Transfer talks planned, Jurgen Klopp admission, Gini Wijnaldum impact
Thiago to Liverpool: Transfer talks planned, Jurgen Klopp admission, Gini Wijnaldum impact (Image: SERVUS TV)

"Nobody knows but it seems like some other teams have a more positive outlook on the future… if you look at Chelsea for example [laughs].

"But I am very happy with my team right now. If something transfer related will happen we have to see."

Gini Wijnaldum contract

Thiago is widely viewed as a potential replacement for Gini Wijnaldum, who has just 12 months left to run on his current Liverpool contract.

The 29-year-old Dutchman has been a favourite of Klopp's but the Reds are not currently in talks with the midfielder about an extension.

The Daily Telegraph suggest that as it stands, Wijnaldum will not be offered a new deal and will instead depart the Merseyside outfit in a year's time unless bids are received.

The report adds that Liverpool may sacrifice Wijnaldum, who has been at the club since 2015, in order to sign Thiago in the coming weeks.

Thiago to Liverpool: Transfer talks planned, Jurgen Klopp admission, Gini Wijnaldum impact
Thiago to Liverpool: Transfer talks planned, Jurgen Klopp admission, Gini Wijnaldum impact (Image: GETTY)

Wayne Rooney verdict

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney admits he hopes Thiago does not join the Red Devils' arch rivals.

The Spaniard was linked to United in 2013 before he swapped Barcelona for Bayern.

And Rooney told The Sunday Times: "He almost came to United in 2013 and now Liverpool are linked with him. He’s one of the best midfielders around – I just hope he doesn’t go there!

"He can take the ball, be composed on it, keep things ticking over – and he’ll put his foot in. He’s an all-round midfielder, really, with a bit of everything.

"He backs up that Bayern press and he drops in between the centre-halves to take the ball yet can also join in when they’re playing around the other box too.

"He’s a great player. It would be great to see him in the Premier League, actually."



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