Real Madrid could take advantage of Barcelona’s reluctance to sign Thiago
Julen Lopetegui’s appointment could have an unforeseen impact on Barcelona’s transfer business.
According to Sport, Real Madrid could attempt to sign Thiago due to Lopetegui’s experience with him in the national team. Bayern are willing to sell the 27-year-old due to having a wealth of midfield options, which was boosted by Leon Goretzka’s decision to join them this summer. Thiago is a top player, so this is a key summer move because he will improve any team he joins.
He joined the Bavarian giants back in 2013 as part of Pep Guardiola’s evolution of Bayern’s style. His time has been successful because they have won all of the five league titles possible in that time as well as two domestic doubles. However, he has been unable to guide them to the next level in Europe, which doesn’t reflect well because they won the Champions League the season prior to his arrival.
The club appears to be gradually shifting away from Guardiola’s rigid positional play principles, which is unlikely to benefit them in the long run. He may not have won a Champions League with them, but their overall standard of play was significantly better when he was in charge. He has carried that on with Manchester City in the Premier League as his methods continue to bring success.
Next: Antoine Griezmann reveals his decision
How should Barcelona react?
They can’t afford to let Thiago go to Real Madrid. Letting this happen would be another huge blunder for the Barcelona board. Los Blancos already have a formidable midfield, so this would only add to that. He could also act as a long-term replacement for Luka Modric, which would give them a dangerous level of continuity. Thiago is unlikely to join the European champions after graduating through La Masia, but the club can’t afford to take that risk on his loyalty.
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Besides, this wouldn’t just be a move to deny Real. Thiago is exactly what Barca need and he is available for a relatively cheap price considering his quality. Having him alongside Sergio Busquets and Philippe Coutinho in a 4-3-3 would be the best midfield Barcelona have had since Xavi left. He is accustomed to Barcelona’s style, and playing alongside other top players in that system would only improve him.
Funds aren’t an issue either because Antoine Griezmann has opted to stay at Barcelona. Therefore, it’s only the board’s principles and pride which are stopping them from signing a former player. They need to think of the bigger picture as well as the disappointment felt each time Real won in the Champions League over the past three seasons. Without signings like this they will continue to struggle in Europe, and domestic achievements only go so far unfortunately.