Ex-Liverpool star Thiago Alcantara set to retire from professional football: Fabrizio Romano

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that former Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara is set to retire from professional football. This comes after he left the Reds as a free agent last month.

Thiago, 33, has played for Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool throughout his career. He joined the Merseysiders from the Bavarians in 2020 for a reported fee of €22 million. He suffered from multiple injury issues, registering three goals and six assists in 98 appearances across four seasons.

The Spaniard played just five minutes last season due to multiple injury issues. His contract with the Anfield outfit expired on June 30 and he departed as a free agent. Fabrizio Romano has now reported on X:

"EXCLUSIVE: Thiago Alcantara has decided to retire from professional football. Former Barça, Bayern, Liverpool and Spain player has made his decision. Thiago’s passion and love for the game continues as he’s ready for new chapter in football after few months planning for it."

Thiago came through Barcelona's academy and made 100 appearances for them before moving to Bayern Munich in 2013. He made 235 appearances for the Bavarians, scoring 31 goals and providing 37 assists.

He won numerous honors like two UEFA Champions League trophies, seven Bundesliga titles, and four La Liga titles, among others. He also made 46 appearances for Spain, scoring two goals and providing nine assists.

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Liverpool interested in £85 million rated midfielder: Reports

As per O Jogo (via Paisley Gates), Liverpool are interested in signing Benfica midfielder Joao Neves this season. They see him as a perfect potential replacement for veteran Wataru Endo, who arrived from VfB Stuttgart last summer.

With Thiago leaving this summer, the Reds are looking to strengthen their midfield as they begin their new era under Arne Slot. However, Benfica value Neves at around £85 million, with his contract expiring in 2028. Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal are also monitoring the youngster.

The 19-year-old has come through Benfica's academy and made 75 senior appearances for them, scoring four goals and providing three assists. Neves mainly plays as a defensive midfielder but can also operate as a central midfielder. He could replace 31-year-old Endo at Anfield, who made 43 appearances across competitions last season.