Thiago Alcantara to leave Liverpool at the end of this season
Thiaaaaaaaago. Thiago Alcantara. A lad with more skill in his pinkie than most have in their whole boots. But here’s the not-so-breaking news – he’s bidding adieu to Liverpool this summer.
That is as per The Athletic [subscription required]. Let’s rewind the clock. September 2020, the air buzzing with excitement as Thiago strutted into Anfield fresh from Bayern Munich after winning them the UCL with a MOTM shift in the final against PSG. Liverpool splashing out £27.3M for the privilege. Everyone was on cloud nine, dreaming of the wonders this midfield maestro would conjure up.
But alas, fate had other plans. Thiago’s time at Liverpool turned into a bit of a rollercoaster ride – a mix of highs and lows. The Spaniard couldn’t seem to catch a break, plagued by more injuries than you can shake a stick at.
February 2023 was when Thiago last graced the starting lineup against Wolves. Seems like ages ago, doesn’t it? At 29, he was supposed to be the bee’s knees, the missing piece of the puzzle for Liverpool’s midfield. Jurgen Klopp, whose departure is obviously much harder to cope with, was the brains behind the operation, thinking Thiago could sprinkle some magic dust and shake things up a bit.
Thiago’s been stuck on the sidelines more than in the thick of the action. Only one Premier League game under his belt this season, and what happens? Yep, another injury. He managed just a measly five-minute cameo against Arsenal this season. And that wasn’t even smooth sailing, what with an annoying hip problem towards the end of his cameo against the Gunners. Talk about a rotten streak.
But let’s not dwell on the negatives, shall we? Thiago might be bidding farewell to Anfield, but he’s left his mark, alright. The 2021/22 campaign. Liverpool were on the cusp of greatness, just two games away from a historic quadruple. And who was leading the charge? You guessed it – our man Thiago. Klopp was singing his praises left, right, and centre, calling him ‘world-class’. And you know what? He wasn’t wrong.
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But as the curtain falls on Thiago’s Liverpool chapter, there’s a lingering feeling in the air – what could have been. Sure, he gave it his all, but imagine if those injuries hadn’t thrown a spanner in the works. Thiago could’ve been a legend instead of a what-if player. Nevertheless, that doesn’t take away from the talent he is. One of the best technicians the football world has seen.
