Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara is reportedly eyeing a return to Barcelona and is posing himself as an alternative to Philippe Coutinho.
According to Spanish publication Don Balon, Barcelona have been offered a chance to bring one of their prodigious academy graduates back into the fold at Camp Nou. Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara is keen on returning to Barcelona and could turn out to be a genuine alternative to Liverpool superstar Philippe Coutinho.
Indeed, Alcantara was always marked as the heir to Andres Iniesta from the midfielder’s days in La Masia. The player’s guile, vision and movement seemed to match Iniesta. But, he chose to move to Bayern Munich in search of regular first-team football, with Barcelona unable to accommodate him into the first-team properly.
Thiago Alcantara: “Iniesta’s new contract? It’s very beautiful. Andres deserves a statue at Camp Nou, he’s part of the club’s heritage.” pic.twitter.com/d46HESBGFw
— BarçaSpiral (@BarcaSpiral) October 7, 2017
At Bayern, the 26-year-old had a very complex start, with injuries derailing his progress. However, under Pep Guardiola, Thiago became the undisputed first-choice in midfield, a prospect that was soon followed by Carlo Ancelotti doing the same in his tenure.
Thiago has even established himself as a regular in Spain’s first eleven under Julen Lopetegui. But, Carlo Ancelotti’s departure and Jupp Heynckes’ return to the helm at Bayern could facilitate a very interesting move. It is yet unknown if Heynckes will use Thiago with the same regularity as his predecessors.
Also, Thiago has seen Bayern’s stature dwindle of late, with the club struggling both domestically and in European competitions as well. And with Barcelona in search of a player to succeed Andres Iniesta, the midfielder feels it is time for him to return and take command of the midfield at the Nou Camp.
Thiago will definitely command a lower fee compared to Coutinho, who has been linked with a £120 million move to Barcelona recently. Also, the 26-year-old is accustomed to the playing style and life in Barcelona and will be an instant fit in a side that has seen many of his La Masia teammates come through.
Thiago was always looked upon as the future of the midfield for both Barcelona and Spain. The midfielder seems to be doing it for La Furia on a consistent basis now. And perhaps, it is time for him to do the same for Barcelona, the club where he started off and a club he holds very dear to his heart.
