Could Bayern Munich let Thiago Alcantara leave on a free transfer?

There has been no recent news on the ongoing contract negotiations between Bayern Munich and Thiago Alcantara, but kicker is reporting that the Bavarians are exploring all alternatives when it comes to a future with — or without — the talented 29-year-old.

Per the German outlet, negotiations might have hit a roadblock. They also indicated that Bayern Munich might not be in a rush to finalize the situation. In fact, per kicker, Bayern has already discussed a potential future without Thiago, what a sale price would look like for the Spaniard, and the possibility of letting him walk for free after next season:

FC Bayern has spoken to Thiago and his agents about extending his contract, which runs until 2021. Nothing has happened for weeks. Word was and still is that the Spaniard only has to sign, that their positions have been communicated, and the possibilities have been exhausted. Bayern can wait, however, especially since Leon Goretzka has proven to be a good alternative alongside Joshua Kimmich in the double six. If Thiago does not sign, he will remain until June 30, 2021 — at the current (already very good) terms, to depart then on a free transfer. If the Spaniard would like to leave this summer, the entry point for discussions would at least 60 to 80 million euros.

While this is nothing out of the ordinary when it comes to the art of negotiations, it is possible that there is an underlying reason as to why Bayern Munich might be having second thoughts about signing the Thiago, who will turn 30 next April. Aside of the fantastic job that Leon Goretzka has done next to Joshua Kimmich in Hansi Flick’s double-pivot, the Bavarians might also be considering a move for Bayer Leverkusen ace Kai Havertz.

Havertz, of course, will come with a steep price tag. Per kicker:

Who will spend big for Havertz? Leverkusen’s captain will decide between Spain (Real Madrid), England (Liverpool, ManCity, ManUnited, Chelsea) and Bayern. Italy and the top team in France, Paris Saint Germain, are no destination for him. The road doesn’t clearly lead to Munich from this player’s perspective either, as absolute insiders claim; a transfer to Säbener Straße would still be possible. Should Thiago extend, however, FCB’s financial flexibility would be exhausted and a Havertz purchase would not be feasible.

Aside of the obvious difference that Havertz and Thiago occupy different positions within the midfield, perhaps Havertz does not want to set himself up for a future where he is part of a rotation or a spot where the midfield is overcrowded? Regardless, the global financial constraints on all clubs will surely have an effect on how Bayern Munich — and each player — proceeds.

BFW Analysis

Sifting through the nonsense of transfer rumors can be a tedious task, but it is fair to ponder if Bayern Munich wants to give Hansi Flick one of the players he covets. With Timo Werner already seemingly out of Bayern Munich’s plans (for now anyway), Flick might have moved on to yet another player he (allegedly) desperately wants in Havertz.

Photo by A. Beier/FC Bayern via Getty Images

There is no question that one of the major failings from Niko Kovac’s tenure was his inability to convince the club of the players he wanted in the transfer market. While there were certainly other issues during Kovac’s time with the Bavarians, there is always the “what if” scenario on how things might have played out if he had more say in personnel decisions.

With Flick, Bayern Munich might be more aware of the coach’s strategic vision for the roster and we could soon find out if Thiago is part of that long-term plan as he heads into the final year of his contract.

For his part, Thiago has been a tremendous player since joining Bayern Munich in 2013, but it was acknowledged last week that the former FC Barcelona star was at least discussing the merits of a future in Germany vs. Spain with his family.

Whatever happens next, both Bayern Munich and Thiago will surely exhaust all possibilities before any decisions are finalized.