Liverpool Takes Major Risk In Thiago Alcantara Transfer Deal With Bayern Munich

Liverpool has taken a major risk in the ongoing Thiago Alcantara transfer deal by not agreeing to Bayern Munich’s demands despite its strong interest in the Spanish player, a report said.

Jurgen Klopp’s side has been working toward completing the transfer move for Alcantara. The Reds remain keen on signing the Bayern Munich midfielder but recently told the Bundesliga champs that they are not willing to pay £27.2 million ($35 million) for the player’s signature, The Guardian reported.

Alcantara, who has one year left on his contract with Bayern, could sign a pre-contract with Liverpool in January provided no other club intervenes this summer. Given its prospect’s scenario, Liverpool opted to wait for Bayern to lower Alcantara’s price tag instead of paying for his current value.

However, the Germans are reluctant to part ways with the 29-year-old and, at this point, have no intention of settling for a cut-down price deal, the report added.

Liverpool and Bayern could be up for a long waiting game as the latter is due to play Lyon in the semi-final of the Champions League on Wednesday. Bayern has put all transfer discussions on hold as long as the team continues to advance in the tournament.

However, it is expected that as soon as the Bundesliga giants are done with UCL, the team will begin to entertain other suitors for Alcantara.

In fact, Bayern chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge recently told German publication Bild that he would be willing to listen to offers, saying of Thiago, “If a club approaches us that is willing to pay a fair transfer fee, we will work on it.”

Alcantara has proven that he can still contribute inside the pitch. He has also shown mutual interest in joining Liverpool.

But ahead of the possible transfer, Liverpool legend Steve Nicol already sees complications in adding the Bayern star to Klopp's highly-energetic squad. According to Nicol, Alcantara is a great player but is just not suited for the Reds.

“I think he’s a great footballer and he can pass the ball,” he told ESPN U.K. of Thiago. “Unfortunately, he just doesn’t fit the mold of what Liverpool do in the middle of the park right now.”

Nicol added, “Yes, he’s got ability, but he also has to have dynamism, he has to have legs, he has to close down quickly, he’s got to have energy.”