Thiago Alcantara remains a ‘world-class’ footballer but former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson believes the Spaniard’s time at the Premier League giants may be coming to an end.
With Jurgen Klopp busy constructing a bridge between Liverpool’s glory days of old and an exciting new era, Thiago Alcantara appears to fall more in the former category than the latter one.
In another season of niggles and knocks, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich playmaker has not played a single minute of football throughout 2023/24. And, when he does eventually return, Thiago will find Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister – all of whom arrived at Anfield over the summer – ahead of him in Klopp’s new-look pecking order.
Liverpool exit likely for Thiago Alcantara
Thiago’s Liverpool contract expires in less than 12 months’ time.
And Johnson, speaking to Squawka, would be surprised to see the Merseyside giants offer him fresh terms, especially after another long-term spell on the sidelines.
“I love Thiago as a player. He’s technically world class,” the former Liverpool right-back begins. “But he’s struggled with injuries, and I think the Premier League caught him by surprise a bit.
“He did have some fantastic games, but maybe the pace of the game was just a little bit too quick. I’m sure he’ll go on to have a good career elsewhere.
“But, with Liverpool signing all these players in midfield that can stay fit, it’s not looking good for his Liverpool career.”
Juventus linked
Thiago, who moved to Anfield after winning the treble with Bayern Munich back in 2020, has been linked with various clubs in Turkey, Italy and the Middle East.
Alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Thomas Partey and Jadon Sancho, the 32-year-old is one of a number of seldom-seen Premier League players on Juventus’ wishlist, though his rumoured £200,000-a-week wages are likely to have the Serie A giants focusing on alternative, and more affordable, options.
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