Report: Thiago to Real Madrid will happen in “a matter of days”

Just when you thought you were out, Don Balon pulled you back in. Never one to disappoint, the Spanish outlet is reporting that Thiago Alcantara is likely headed to Real Madrid and soon.

The truth is that Florentino will try (Thiago’s) signing and at the Bernabéu, they think it’s a matter of days.

It has been reported for weeks now that Thiago is available on the market, but Bayern Munich has repeatedly denied publicly that it will let its midfield maestro go.

With the departure of Mateo Kovacic, (Julen) Lopetegui has requested a signing for the midfield, and Florentino Perez is determined to launch for the Spanish-Brazilian midfielder. Thiago has been on the agenda of the white team for a long time, and now it seems the definitive moment to launch for him.

With Mateo Kovačić on loan to Chelsea, Los Blancos are assuredly in the market for an impact midfielder to provide the depth and talent required for a deep run in the Champions League. With Luka Modrić heavily linked to Inter Milan, adding a stalwart like Thiago could provide Real Madrid an instant replacement for the Croatian World Cup star.

Real Madrid, however, also has its eyes on another star in Lazio man Sergej Milinković-Savić. In that report (also by Don Balon), it was also stated that Los Blancos have €100M available to make a last minute purchase, which could come into play should Real Madrid make a run at Thiago.

BFW Analysis

All reports from The Don are taken a bit loosely, but it is conceivable that Real Madrid would not only have roster space for Thiago, but also the ample budget to make a deal happen. Die Roten, however, have been reluctant to move the Spaniard.

Thiago’s transfer value has been estimated at somewhere between €60M-€70M, but it is unlikely that Real Madrid would start bidding anywhere in that range. Los Blancos did just splurge on Thibault Courtouis (€31.5M) and are also rumored to be heavily involved with Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi, but there is still a prevalent feeling that even more moves could be on the way in Madrid.

From Bayern’s perspective, the midfield is still a bit backlogged even with the departure of Arturo Vidal. Thiago is one of the few players in that group who could really play the 10, 8, and 6 with aplomb, which is a trait that Niko Kovač is said to covet. Ideally, Bayern would be able to sell another player, but Thiago is likely the most valuable of the pieces that could be moved. Stay tuned!