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Thiago Alcântara’s Contract Situation and Injury Concerns

January 1st 2024, represents the moment when our wondrous Spanish magician, Thiago Alcântara, enters the final six months of his existing Liverpool contract. After falling foul of injury (once again) last February, his new year comeback would represent eleven months since we have seen the all-time great wearing his club jersey, in a competitive match anyway. Some of the fanbase have a theory that he is being held back by the club, in order to facilitate an injury free sale in the new year. Though I am a keen fan of the X-Files and notions of bizarre conspiracies always offer intrigue, I do not believe we need to add fake ailments to the repertoire of our injury plagued midfielder. The unfortunate case of Thiago is that he will never become more robust, as the sands of time descend on this brilliant footballing career.

 

What Would I Like to See Happen in 2024…?

I am very much still in the pro Alcântara camp, as I remain in awe of his fantastical abilities and knowledge he can pass onto his teammates. I would be inclined to gift him a further two years (on his current deal) and except that his continual availability is somewhat limited. Once the former Barca man is back (hopefully that is), I believe a schedule and training regime can be devised that will see him utilised sparingly, thus becoming more available for the biggest moments of the remainder of this Liverpool season. To imagine a fully rested and healthy ex Bayern Munich star coming into this squad (just after the horrific Christmas schedule), has enormous plus points. I have no doubt whatsoever, that the 32-year-old can still produce breathtaking performances that make him the stand out controlling entity in the Premier League. In the case of this great man’s, brilliance comes at a cost and it was the continued overplaying last season, that created the breakdown of his susceptible body. Ultimately, this is still a world class footballer that can be vital within the regeneration, therefore, I would be reluctant to see him cast aside too soon, despite the frustration from all those involved.

Is There a Chance That Thiago Is Sold in January…?

Unfortunately, there is every chance that a new Sporting Director chooses to sell the 46-cap Spain international. If by the end of January, Jürgen Klopp is still unable to call upon his £200k per week squad member, then it becomes inevitable that more teams from the Saudi Pro League will test the Anfield resolve, as they did in the summer of change. With a contract dwindling into the five-month mark, a £10m offer is still very feasible, essentially given the legendary status of the Brazilian born player and the status his addition would bring to the league. I do fully expect Liverpool to be active in the upcoming winter transfer window, especially given that Wataru Endō will be headed to the Asia Cup at the start of 2024 with his native Japan. This circumstance creates the need for a defensive midfield recruit, one which is still apparent even with the former Stuttgart skipper in the current roster of useable assets. A slow and hopefully positive few weeks in January, will determine whether our Spanish number six is capable of playing a part in Liverpool’s second half of the year. That period should just about cover the six-week loss of Wataru Endō, whilst allowing any early winter additions to be bedded in. In terms of what comes next, I think sentiment can still rule and our German manager may well enforce the stay of his experienced Spanish maestro. Whether or not that facilitates a contract extension is unknown, however, if there is yet another breakdown in the build up to his next expected return, then the new year could yet enforce the sale of Thiago Alcântara, our elite level controller.

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