Liverpool star 'on the table' as Barcelona plan move

Barcelona have Thiago Alcantara on their shortlist as they plan to recruit a new midfielder for next season.

The 32-year-old, who is in the final year of his Liverpool contract, came through at Barça's famous La Masia academy and spent four years in the first-team between 2009 and 2013, making 101 appearances, before leaving for Bayern Munich.

According to ESPN, Thiago could be in line for a homecoming next year as Barça manager Xavi seeks to improve his squad by ensuring he has two players competing for every position.

It is reported that the Catalan giants are looking for competition for summer signing Oriol Romeu at the base of the midfield and are monitoring Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Jorginho (Arsenal) and Guido Rodriguez (Real Betis), as well as Liverpool's number six.

Anfield Watch reported that Liverpool were open to selling Thiago during the summer transfer window, as they undertook a midfield rebuild. However, ultimately no move happened despite likes to Spain, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

It is widely expected that the 46-cap Spain international will be allowed to walk away for free at the end of his contract next summer, with an extension to his deal unlikely.

However, one recent report has claimed that Thiago does have a big supporter in Jurgen Klopp who is pushing for him to stay.

Thiago has yet to play a single minute for Liverpool in 2023/24 after suffering setbacks in his recovery from the hip injury that curtailed his campaign in spring.

The two-time Champions League winner missed 25 games for Liverpool in 2022/23 in total and last started a game in the 3-0 loss to Wolves back in February.

Though undoubtedly one of the best in his position when fit, his availability issues continue to raise questions over his value for money at Anfield, given he is on a reported £200k a week and is among the club's highest earners.

Meanwhile, Anfield Watch has been told that Andre Trindade remains hopeful of a January move to Liverpool after a summer deal fell apart with Fluminense refusing to sell during the ongoing Copa Libertadores campaign.

The Reds could be in the market for another specialist defensive midfielder and are also monitoring Fulham's Joao Palhinha who is valued at £70m.