Today’s front cover of Spanish newspaper SPORT has claimed that Barcelona’s Thiago has informed the club he wishes to leave in the summer and that he is currently looking over offers from two Premier League clubs.
The 22-year-old midfielder is currently away on international duty with Spain at the U21 European Championships but rumours of a move away from Catalan have been rife ever since his €18 million release clause was activated due to a lack of first team action.
Manchester United have been strongly linked with a move for the player and only this hour, CNN Italy correspondent Tancredi Palmeri has stated that one of the two Premier League offers discussed in SPORT has come from United.
Thiago Alcantara has informed Barcelona of his intention to leave, according to catalan sport paper Sport. At least two offers from Premier
— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) June 17, 2013
The one I'm sure about is the Manchester United offer for Thiago Alcantara. Let's see the others
— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) June 17, 2013
On paper, Thiago’s signing would be perfect for United. Spanish players have set a precedent in the past five years and the country is currently a conveyor belt of world class players with their U21s side currently boasting the likes of Isco, Munaian, De Gea and Thiago.
And Spanish freelance journalist Rafael Hernandez believes that the move would suit both parties and can see Thiago blossoming at Old Trafford.
“I think Thiago leaving is imminent,” he said.
“He is unsatisfied with Tito Vilanova and his playing time is indeed disappointing. I don’t blame him.
“Manchester United is the best move for him, I’ve no doubt. He probably fancies Bayern more because Guardiola is there but at United he has the chance to be one of the star players and the team needs someone like him.
“But he’ll hardly sign and start right away playing well like Mata did for Chelsea, because Thiago offers more control and pace to the entire team, Mata works differently – hopefully United will understand that.
“After his adaptation he’s going to become one of the best players in the squad, maybe even one of the best in the world.
Given that only last year his release clause was set at €90 million, it is down to Barcelona’s carelessness that Thiago’s €18 million release clause has been activated and United have moved to take advantage of it according to CNN’s Palmeri.
De Gea has already nudged Thiago in the direction of Old Trafford and if it is game time he is after, he is guaranteed of that under Moyes given how weak United’s midfield is with Scholes’ retirement, Fletcher’s illness combined with Cleverley and Anderson’s inconsistent form.
Alongside Carrick, he could create a central midfield partnership that United’s sides have lacked for years. His natural passing game would compliment Carrick and could provide United with a midfield capable of challenging in Europe.
At 22, he represents the type of signing that United have completed over the years and he would slot well into a youthful side.
Further movement is expected from the Thiago camp in the coming days after he finishes his international duty with Spain on Tuesday.
