Report: Liverpool contact Bayern Munich over Thiago Alcantara (Update: Fabrizio Romano confirms the news)

Things are moving fast. According to a new report by Bild (paywalled), Liverpool FC have contacted Bayern Munich regarding a transfer of Thiago Alcantara. The Spaniard, whose contract expires next year, has refused to extend his current deal. Most people in the Bayern camp have admitted that he’s looking for a move abroad.

According to the report, the Reds have now contacted sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic for the player, implying that they have already reached agreement with Thiago over personal terms. Jürgen Klopp has long been an admirer of Thiago, ever since his experience facing the Spaniard as coach of Borussia Dortmund. It seems that Thiago wants a new challenge, and the Reds are his top destination.

Bayern, however, will not let him go for cheap. According to Bild, the bosses want between €30 to €40 million for the player. Otherwise, they might be content to let him run down the remaining year of his contract. The financial demands present a problem for Liverpool, who have curbed their spending on account of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Whether the two sides reach a deal this summer remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, Thiago is set to start against Barcelona in the Champions League tomorrow. Let’s hope the transfer activity surrounding the event doesn’t distract the Spaniard from the game at hand.

Update

Fabrizio Romano, everyone’s favorite tier 1 journalist, has corroborated Bild’s reporting of the news.