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The Thiago transfer fiasco is now over. The Spaniard will join Liverpool with a new contract signed up until June 2024. We know how much the loss of Thiago will impact this Bayern squad, but how will he impact Liverpool? Let’s find out.
Thiago Alcantara has also signed his contract until June 2024 as new Liverpool player. As promised by Thiago himself to Jurgen Klöpp on June, he’s coming. #LFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 17, 2020
Liverpool fans can expect to gain a world-class midfielder at a bargain price. Thiago’s arrival will be sure to shake up the league. The Spanish international should make an immediate impact at Anfield. Georginio Wijnaldum better get comfy on the bench, because it might be his new home. Wijnaldum is no doubt a great talent, but Thiago arrived in Liverpool for a reason, to replace Gini. If the eye test doesn’t prove that, check out some Per90 stats via Squawka:
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Was every stat imaginable included in this comparison? No. But this does give a good picture of just how good Thiago is.
Squad goals...
It is evident that Thiago will be a regular feature in Klopp’s starting eleven, but can he take the team to the next level?
Well, that depends what you define as the “next level.” Thiago’s pure talent and creativity have the potential to put Liverpool over the top this season. Thiago is no stranger to the Champions League, having gone out on the ultimate high, and the defending English champions will no doubt turn to his experience in their next conquest for glory after a disappointing 2019/20 European campaign.
With some time left in this summer’s transfer window, Liverpool could still see Wijnaldum depart, wherever he might go. Bayern fans meanwhile can take some comfort in knowing that Thiago has found a great midfield to dominate in another league. The Spanish maestro, alongside Fabinho and Henderson, is going to scare teams all year long.
It looks as though Liverpool has finally got their man. As for Bayern, it is likely that there are still transfers to come — but not necessarily to fill Thiago’s shoes. Hansi Flick will likely rely on Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka as his first-choice double-pivot, and Corentin Tolisso will at last have a chance to break through as a regular option in midfield.