The Premier League rather than a Barcelona return may appeal to Bayern Munich star Thiago

Tom Biggs 16:50 25/07/2018
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  • With the World Cup finished, the summer transfer window is now starting to heat up, as managers look to bring in additions to their squads ahead of the start of the 2018/19 campaign.

    Plenty of big names have been linked with switches, and with that in mind, we’re taking a closer look at some of Europe’s most in-demand stars.

    Our next player analysis is Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara

    Linked to: Manchester United, Liverpool and Barcelona

    Price tag: £60 million

    New Bayern Munich boss Niko Kovac appears happy to let some of the club’s big stars leave this summer, and with Jerome Boateng reportedly on the verge of joining PSG, midfielder Thiago could also be on his way out of the Allianz Arena.

    While Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salhamidzic has said they will try to keep hold of the former Barcelona man, “Of course we are planning with him. It will be an interesting battle for places with nine midfielders,” he said recently, Thiago himself may not want to take the rotation risk.

    Thiago is being linked with a return to former club Barcelona

    Thiago is being linked with a return to former club Barcelona.

    At 27-years-old, the midfielder is at an important stage in his career, and having played in both La Liga and the Bundesliga, a move to the Premier League could prove tempting for the Spaniard.

    While he has been linked with a possible return to Barcelona, the £60 million fee may prove the main stumbling block, considering they sold the midfielder for just £20 million five seasons ago.

    That could pave the way for either Manchester United or Chelsea to swoop in. Jose Mourinho has said he’s hoping to bring at least two players in before the window shuts, and midfield options including Nemanja Matic, Fred and Paul Pogba alongside Thiago would be an exciting proposition for the Red Devils.

    Thiago has won five Bundesliga titles during his time at Bayern Munich

    Thiago has won five Bundesliga titles during his time at Bayern Munich.

    United looked set to sign the midfielder five years ago, before his switch to Bayern, and reports suggests they have renewed their interest with an enquiry.

    For Chelsea, Maurizio Sarri is currently overseeing an overhaul of his squad, but with a plethora of midfield options already, Thiago may not want to take the risk of moving to a club where is once again facing a real fight for a regular starting spot.

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