Jurgen Klopp isn’t the only person saying goodbye to Liverpool on Sunday evening.
Of course the game against Wolves will be dominated by the fact that it is set to be Klopp’s 491st and final as Liverpool manager.
But as was revealed on Friday, the Reds will also say a fond Anfield farewell to Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara, too.
Matip’s Liverpool career was easily the more distinguished of the two, but it will be sad to see Thiago go after an injury-hit couple of years. As one of the most impressive figures in the Liverpool squad, you can’t imagine that Thiago will find himself without a club for too long.
And according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the 33-year-old has a very specific idea about what he wants from his next move.
Fabrizio Romano outlines Thiago’s post-Liverpool plan
Having played with distinction for Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Liverpool, Thiago has had an excellent career already.
Now 33 and after barely playing for more than a year though, his options upon exiting Anfield may be a little limited.
There were offers from Saudi Arabia last year, but still believing he had a part to play at Liverpool, Thiago declined them. In the end, the Reds might have been better convincing him to leave.
Anyway, speaking on his YouTube channel on Saturday, Romano suggested that the Spaniard would once again turn down overtures from the Middle East. Thiago wants to stay in Europe.
“What I’m told is that Thiago Alcantara is now fit, back in training, he feels good,” explained the transfer expert. “So, Thiago wants to be back on the pitch as soon as possible for next season in the best possible conditions. He will work hard in the summer for that.
“Where is Thiago going? He already received approaches from outside European clubs. He had some possibilities already, months ago, last year and in the recent weeks. But Thiago’s priority is European football, he will wait for proposals from Europe because he still believes he can be super competitive in important clubs in Europe. He is waiting for the opportunity.”
Where could Thiago go
From a Liverpool point of view, it will be a bit gutting to see Thiago go elsewhere and shine.
It’s nothing personal against the former Barcelona man. He’s an unbelievable player and has always seemed respectful and pleasant while at Liverpool.
But he’s also played just five minutes this season. Had Thiago been available more, maybe Klopp would be ending his last season at the club with more than a Carabao Cup to his name.
It would be difficult to take to watch Thiago go to a top European club now and show his quality all over again.
According to recent reports though, the No.6 could even stay in the Premier League. With offers reportedly set to arrive from Real Betis and Girona as well, it’s possible that Thiago could be back in the Champions League, too.