Three reasons why Barcelona should bring Thiago Alcantara back
Published:
Bayern midfielder is available this summer
Bayern Munich are reportedly ready for a clear out this summer, as they look to shake up their squad.
One of the players who could be on the move is Thiago Alcantara. The Bundesliga champions have an abundance of central midfielders following Leon Goretzka’s arrival, which means the Spaniard could be surplus to requirements.
Thiago has been a long-term target for Manchester United, but the cultured midfielder is understood to favour a return to Barcelona after five years in Bavaria.
The Coral News Team have looked at three reasons why the La Liga champions should bring the 27-year-old back to Camp Nou…
Maintain the team’s identity
In recent years, Barcelona have lost Xavi and Andres Iniesta, the two players who did more than any others to define the team’s style of play. Lionel Messi may have provided the stardust in the final third, but their passing and intelligence in midfield allowed Barca to dominate possession.
Sergio Busquets remains at the club, while Philippe Coutinho has superb technique, but neither really sets the tempo for the team’s passing.
Thiago was viewed as a potential heir to Xavi when he was progressing through the ranks at La Masia. He could belatedly take up that mantle if he returns to his former club.
Squad depth
Iniesta’s retirement has also left Ernesto Valverde short of proven performers in the middle of the park.
Busquets, Coutinho and Ivan Rakitic are the obvious first-choice trio in midfield. However, Rakitic had played a staggering 71 games for club and country last season. He’ll need a proper break and to be used carefully to prevent burnout during the upcoming campaign.
Denis Suarez, Sergi Roberto and Andre Gomes haven’t shown enough consistency to take Rakitic’s spot as the midfield metronome if required. New arrival Arthur will need time to adapt to the demands of top-level football too after arriving from Gremio.
Thiago would be able to come in and make an instant impact. He’d increase competition for places and give Valverde the option to play Coutinho on the left of a front three.
Point to prove
Thiago may also feel he has something to prove at Barcelona. For all of his obvious quality, the presence of Xavi and Iniesta, as well as Cesc Fabregas, meant he was never an automatic starter during his time there.
It’s been a similar case at Bayern too, where injuries have occasionally derailed his momentum.
He broke into the Barcelona first-team squad 10 years ago and he’s still yet to make 30 league appearances during a single league campaign.
Thiago has the talent to be one of the best midfielders in the world. A return to Barcelona could give him the platform to fulfil it.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
