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After a report from Sport Bild earlier this week broke the news that Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara was considering a move away from Bavaria, Bild has a follow-up stating that the 29-year-old Spaniard has already bade farewell to several teammates in the locker room.
If true, this is not good news for Bayern Munich fans who were hoping to see the midfield maestro sign a contract extension with Die Roten:
According to BILD information, [Thiago] has already told some of his fellow players his farewell in the locker room.
In addition to Bild’s report, kicker has entered the chat with its own news on Thiago. Per kicker, Bayern Munich would be looking for a bid of €60-80 million for the Spaniard. Interestingly, kicker also notes that if Bayern Munich were to sell Thiago, the revenue generated would be put toward a bid on Bayer Leverkusen ace Kai Havertz. That bit of information contradicts Sport Bild’s Wednesday article, in which they claimed Bayern would not pursue Havertz even if Thiago left.
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BFW analysis
Many Bayern Munich fans have dismissed a departure for Thiago, but it is clear that the player is putting a great amount of thought into his immediate future. A contract extension with Bayern Munich would seem to be a no-brainer for the player, as Thiago is considered one of the most respected and valuable members of the squad. It is entirely possible, however, that Thiago has decided to take on a new challenge at this stage of his career or is worried that he might face reduced minutes in Bavaria after the emergence of Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka as a viable midfield duo.
It is also within the realm of possibility that Thiago‘s family is ready for a move. Whether that means a return to Spain or a new adventure in England (with Liverpool as a potential bidder), there are clearly other considerations than just a place in the squad going through Thiago’s mind.
Regardless, a departure for the Spaniard would seem to contradict Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge’s recent claims that a large squad will be needed to deal with the rigors of a condensed schedule for next season.
Whatever happens, Thiago is clearly going to take his time in ensuring he makers the right call for himself — and his family — on what will likely be the last big money contract of his career.