Lionel Messi’s Ex-Teammate Ditches Barcelona Return, Awaits Offer From Real Madrid

Bayern Munich star midfielder Thiago Alcantara has reportedly said his goodbye to the German club as he mulls over a comeback to Spain. But a possible reunion with Lionel Messi in Barcelona seems to be ruled out with accounts claiming the 29-year-old is instead “awaiting” an offer from Real Madrid.

According to Diario GOL, Thiago has already pulled the plug on talks linking him to comeback at Camp Nou as he remains embittered by his break-up with the Blaugrana in 2013.

Aware of the gap between Thiago and Barca is Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane, who is said to be ready to pounce on the opportunity of nabbing the top-caliber footballer.

“As much as Messi is a friend, (Thiago) does not want to know anything about Barça that sold him in a bad way. And that's where a Zidane sees as a very good opportunity to win a top player with a past in Barca, a master plan to destabilize the increasingly fragile Catalan team a little more,” the report read.

Thiago is such an enticing target not only for his proven exploits on the field but also for the value he could give in relation to his active contract, which Madrid could definitely afford.

“But what Zidane likes the most is, regardless of the quality that Alcántara would bring to the squad, is that he is not exactly a very expensive signing. Considering that he has not renewed and that his contract ends next summer, Florentino (Perez) could get him for a figure close to €40 million.”

A smooth mutual deal between the Spain international and the Los Blancos is likely to come about. With the former being adamant of his decision to leave Germany, Zidane might not need his coercing skills to see a prized target draw himself closer to Santiago Bernabéu.

“Having already played and succeeded for the Blaugrana, the Bayern creator will be on his move and await an offer from Real Madrid. Playing under Zinedine Zidane is one of his aspirations, but more importantly, he sees the Merengues as a more blooming side with attractive gameplay,” Everything Barca’s Atharva Khadilkar wrote.

Thiago has appeared in 24 matches for Bayern this season in Bundesliga and has scored three goals. Prior to his transfer to Germany in 2013, the veteran central midfielder had spent four seasons in Barcelona where he had appeared for 100 games scoring 11 goals.