Thiago Alcantara has decided to retire upon the expiry of his Liverpool contract and a new career path has emerged according to the latest reports in Spain.
Thiago, 33, struggled with a hip injury for much of his last season at Anfield, appearing for only five minutes across the campaign.
His single appearance came against Arsenal in February and a subsequent injury breakdown meant he missed the rest of the season and had played his last game for the club.
Liverpool announced that Thiago would depart at the end of his four-year deal and it was initially expected that he would move to boyhood club Flamengo or a team in Saudi Arabia.
The Italian-born Spain international moved to Merseyside in 2020 from Bayern Munich for around £20 million, becoming one of the club’s top earners in the process.
While on the field, Thiago thrilled spectators and played his part in a pair of cup victories in 2021/22 – the FA Cup and EFL Cup.
But he never quite managed to stay fit, suffering various injuries throughout his stint in the Premier League, and left Liverpool having played fewer than 100 matches across four seasons.
It emerged a few weeks ago that Barcelona had broached the idea of adding Thiago to their coaching staff following the appointment of Hansi Flick as manager.
Flick, who won a treble with Thiago at Bayern Munich, was seeking a figure to act as a go-between with the dressing room – an ex-player who could speak German and Spanish.
Thiago fit the bill but initially the reports appeared to come to little.
The son of Brazil World Cup winner Mazinho began his professional career with Barca, starring under Pep Guardiola before moving to Bayern.
It is now being reported that following news of Thiago’s retirement, contact has been established between Barca and their former La Masia graduate in an attempt to bring him on board.
“Keep an eye on Thiago Alcantara’s name,” Gerard Romero of Jijantes FC said. “He could reinforce Hansi Flick’s staff. Contacts have already taken place and the matter is hot.
“It remains to be seen whether an agreement is reached this week.”
