Fabrizio Romano provides update on Thiago to Barcelona links

Transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano has addressed the speculation surrounding a possible Thiago Alcantara return to Barcelona.

The 32-year-old playmaker has yet to feature for Liverpool in 2023/24, as he continues his recovery from hip surgery at the back end of last season.

The midfielder had been expected to take part in pre-season but various setbacks have prolonged his absence, with Jurgen Klopp recently revealing that it is likely his number six will not be available to play until the new year.

Injury issues have beset Thiago's three and a half years at Anfield, with the former Bayern Munich star last starting a game in the 3-0 defeat to Wolves back in February.

With Thiago now in the final year of his contract, speculation over his future has ramped up and it appears unlikely that his stay on Merseyside will be extended given his age, high wages and availability record.

Reports in Spain have linked Barcelona have been linked with a move for their former academy graduate, following a serious injury to rising midfield star Gavi.

In his Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside, Romano commented on the possibility of Thiago returning to club where he spent eight years and made 101 first-team appearances.

He said: “I’ve had some fans asking me about stories involving Thiago Alcantara and a surprise potential return to Barcelona this January. Of course we know that Barça are now short in midfield after the lengthy injury to Gavi, but it’s too early to know if they’re going to replace him, or who they could target.

“With Thiago, I’m not aware of concrete talks with Barca so far. As I previously reported, Barca’s priority is to register Vitor Roque before deciding on the midfielder situation. For now there are no changes, and no concrete developments on how to act with replacing Gavi.

“It’s also worth remembering that Thiago said no to Saudi clubs in July as he wanted to stay at Liverpool. As far as I’m aware there has been no change to his situation since then.”

Back in the summer, Anfield Watch reported that Liverpool were open to receiving offers for Thiago – whose £200k a week wages are among the highest in the squad – though no move materialised.

The midfielder turned down a move to Sevilla over salary, while recent reports claim clubs in Italy have been put off making a move due to his 'scary' wages.