New Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui is reportedly looking to add former Barcelona playmaker Thiago Alcantara, currently a part of Bayern Munich, to his squad.
Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo are claiming that Julen Lopetegui already has a target in mind to strengthen his squad ahead of the next season. The new Real Madrid manager is scouring the prospect of landing former Barcelona man Thiago Alcantara, who has been made available by Bayern Munich, according to reports.
Thiago has established himself as one of the best midfielders in Europe after his move to Bayern Munich. While the player did struggle in the beginning, the arrival of Pep Guardiola saw him lock down a regular place in the Bayern midfield, a trend that continued under Carlo Ancelotti and Jupp Heynckes.
But, Niko Kovac has made the Spaniard available in the summer, with the former Barcelona player reportedly in the market for the right price, which is reported to be around €70 million.
Thiago himself has often confessed that he wishes to return to Spain, with a Barcelona homecoming also a potential future event. But, the Catalans have all but signed Arthur, with Ernesto Valverde told by the board to take a decision on whether to sign the Brazilian in the summer itself.
Apart from Arthur, Barcelona are looking at the likes of Frenkie De Jong, who will be a more youthful option to rejuvenate the Barcelona midfield. There is interest in Thiago from the Blaugrana. But, the Bayern Munich midfielder is not a priority for the club this summer, at least not right now.
This is where Real Madrid come into the picture. Los Blancos need a player to replace the ageing Luka Modric in midfield. The Croat has been linked with a move away from the club and Florentino Perez will be looking to add a player ready to replace the playmaker, despite the youngsters that already are a part of the Real Madrid first-team squad.
Julen Lopetegui shares a good relationship with Thiago. The Bayern Munich midfielder was one of the first names on the team sheet for La Roja under the new Real Madrid manager. And Lopetegui now wants to do the same at club level, thus eyeing a deal to land Thiago.
A move to Real Madrid could fulfil Thiago’s wish of a return to Spain, albeit to Barcelona’s direct rival. While this would not be welcome by the Barcelona fans, there is no denying the fact that the Blaugrana are Thiago’s preference.
Should there be no move from Barcelona to stop Thiago from moving to Real Madrid and bring him to Camp Nou instead, we could very well see the 27-year-old become the next player to play for both Barcelona and Real Madrid in their footballing careers.
All Real Madrid need to do is meet Bayern Munich’s €70 million asking price, something Los Blancos will likely have no problem in.
