Gavi injury reignites Barcelona interest in Liverpool midfielder

With star midfielder Gavi now expected to miss the remainder of the season with a serious knee injury, Barcelona are now actively looking at short-term replacements, according to reports coming from Spain.

As a result, Catalonia-based publication Sport claims that Liverpool's Thiago Alcantara has now re-emerged as a prime target for Xavi's team.

With his contract set to expire at the end of the season - and a return to full fitness from the hip issues that have sidelined him on the horizon - a move could make sense for all parties.

Despite his 'scary' wages reportedly putting off teams from Italy, Thiago's salary shouldn't be such an issue for the Blaugrana. It's also believed that Liverpool wouldn't stand in the way of a return to the Camp Nou for the 32-year-old.

A perfect fit

With the Spaniard having come through the youth ranks at Barcelona before progressing to the first team to play alongside coach Xavi, the midfielder has a deep understanding of the club's football philosophy. He, therefore, would be a seamless fit, offering immediate performance without the need for an adaptation period.

While other names such as Real Betis' Guido Rodríguez and Arsenal's Jorginho are also believed to be under consideration, the higher cost implications (both have contracts in place until 2025) make their transfers more complex.

What's more, both Rodríguez and Jorginho play primarily as deep-lying 'sixes'. Gavi, meanwhile, is more of an 'eight', and has even played on the wing at times this season.

With the need for an immediate solution in Gavi's absence, Barcelona making a move for Thiago when the transfer window reopens on 1 January 2024 would make perfect sense.