What’s the story?
Bayern Munich have slapped an asking price of €90 million on ex-Barcelona man Thiago Alcantara reports Spanish outlet Dairio Gol. Thiago joined the German champions in 2013 for a €25 million fee, and has been linked back with a move to the Spanish giants as they look to overhaul their midfield in the summer.
In case you didn’t know..
Thiago Alcantara, a La Masia graduate, was part of the Barcelona first team from 2009 to 2013 although he made just 68 appearances. Disillusioned by the lack of chances afforded to him, he eventually left for Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich in 2013.
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His time in Germany has been littered with injuries, and has to a certain extent curtailed his growth as a player. However, towards the end of last season, he has started to come into his own, with his unique and flamboyant style of play.
The heart of the matter
Barcelona have struggled to replace Xavi since he left the club, and with Iniesta getting older, Thiago might just be the answer. He was touted to be the replacement for Xavi when he graduated from La Masia, and like Pogba at Manchester United his promise might be fulfilled when he comes back to Barcelona from Bayern Munich.
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Fleet-footed, ambidextrous with wide range of passing, the 25-year-old’s qualities are rare in modern football. He personifies the phrase, ‘inspiration from midfield’.
Parallels from history
Paul Pogba was a graduate from the famed Manchester United academy, where he won the FA Youth Cup. However, disillusioned by the lack of game time under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, the French youngster left for Turin giants Juventus.
After, three years of brilliance in Italy, Manchester United paid a world-record fee of €100 million to bring back the Golden Boy winner to the home of the three-time European Champions.
Author’s Take
Thiago’s form this season for Bayern Munich has ensured that the Spaniard is one of the first names on the team sheet for Carlo Ancelotti. Therefore, the asking price for the midfielder is justified to every penny.
As a player, Thiago would be perfect for the Catalan giants, he knows the club and the players. He understands their philosophy and will seamlessly fit into the team at Camp Nou.
