James Pearce provides update on Thiago transfer situation

Thiago Alcantara is 'unlikely' to move in the January transfer window, despite speculation over his future, according to James Pearce.

The 32-year-old midfielder has yet to play a single minute for Liverpool in 2023/24, as he continues a slow recovery from hip surgery at the end of last season.

Thiago last started a game for the Reds in the 3-0 defeat to Wolves in February and hasn't featured at all in seven months.

The former Bayern Munich star had been expected to take part in Liverpool's pre-season, but setbacks have delayed his return, with Jurgen Klopp recently suggesting he may not make a comeback until the new year.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Thiago's injury absence

With Thiago also now in the final season of his four-year contract at Anfield, talk over his future has begun to ramp up.

There have been reports of interest from Barcelona and clubs in Serie A, while he was linked with the Saudi Pro League during the summer.

However, the Athletic's Pearce writes that the playmaker appears set to see out the last months of his deal, with a January transfer 'unlikely'

Pearce adds that Thiago was 'happy' to remain at Liverpool over the summer and move in six months' time is 'more probable'.

This stance appears to be supported by Fabrizio Romano, who recently indicated that he was unaware of 'concrete talks' with Barcelona.

The transfer reporter 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.”