Former Barcelona superstar admits he could make stunning €91m return to Camp Nou
What's the story?
Barcelona's pursuit of Thiago Alcantara received a huge boost as the Bayern Munich midfielder admitted that he could envision a return back to his boyhood club. Speaking to the press ahead of the Spanish national team's friendlies, Thiago confirmed his love for Barca, saying "Barcelona will always be my home, and not only because I love the club, but also the city. I will always look at them with love. You never know if I'll be back; because I'm very happy at Bayern, but football changes a lot. Anything can happen."
However, with Bayern Munich having tied him down to a long contract, Barcelona may have to part with a huge fee, in the range of €91 million.
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In case you didn't know...
Thiago Alcantara is a prodigal son for many Barcelona fans, with many cules viewing his sale to Bayern Munich for a paltry €18 million in 2013 as the most disastrous piece of transfer business by the club in the last few years. That situation was triggered by Thiago playing less than 60% of Barcelona’s games in 2012/13, which saw his release clause fall.
The heart of the matter
Having won the Bundesliga title in every season he has been at Bayern Munich, it is hardly surprising that the Bavarian giants are reluctant to let Thiago go. They have tied down the midfielder to a contract that is designed to keep him in Munich until 2021 and thus only a massive fee from Barcelona will turn their heads.
Barcelona were reportedly put off previously by the €100m+ fee they expected Bayern would want for Thiago's services, but now that the player has made a public utterance of a possibility of moving back, the Blaugrana are hoping that a fee of €91 million will suffice.
It is no secret that Thiago remains the prodigal son of Barcelona, with the Spaniard considered the true successor to Xavi and Andres Iniesta. Ernesto Valverde would jump at any chance of signing the midfielder, and has reportedly spoken to technical director Robert Fernandez to broker a deal.
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Author's Take:
Despite Barcelona's stellar start to the season, concerns remain over the state of their midfield, with Andres Iniesta on the wane. Thiago's return would be the icing on the cake and almost certainly guarantee Barcelona the La Liga title, and maybe even the UEFA Champions League.