Turkish giants Trabzonspor are eyeing a 11th-hour bid for Liverpool superstar Thiago Alcantara
According to Aksam, Turkish side Trabzonspor are keen to make a late bid for Liverpool superstar Thiago Alcantara before the transfer window slams shut.
The 32-year-old’s time at Anfield has seen him struggle with multiple injuries. However, when fit he is a difference maker in the middle of the pitch and just oozes quality and class on the ball.
Despite his age, the Spaniard remains a key cog in Jurgen Klopp’s roster and will need to take on the role of a mentor after the Redfs revamped their midfield this summer. With James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho all gone, Thiago becomes the de-facto leader of the new-look Liverpool midfield roster.
However, his contract expires next summer and Liverpool have shown little interest yet in offering him an extension. Unless an agreement is reached by January, the midfielder will be free to agree a Bosman deal with foreign clubs.
Selling him now could see them recoup a transfer fee but will leave them lacking one experience in a crucial area of the field. With the English transfer window also now shut for the summer, Liverpool will not be able to bring in a replacement.
The Turkish window does not close till September 15th, giving them a precious couple of days to make late moves. Having already signed Nicolas Pepe from Arsenal, Trabzonspor will do well to land Thiago.
The 32-year-old would certainly make an impact in the middle of the park and could also benefit from the less intense style of football to prolong his career. But then, he also had lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia and could yet move to the Middle East in the future.
Thiago is far from done at the top level and his staying at Anfield will benefit Ryan Gravenberch and Stefan Bajcetic to develop both as players and ambassadors of the club. After all, few players have the gravitas and personality that Thiago brings to the table.
Surely, Liverpool will not sell him this late in the summer, potentially jeopardising their squad morale and also strength in depth. But if Trabzonspor pull it off, it could prove to be one of the coups of the season.
