Thiago Alcantara looks all but set to leave Barcelona this summer in order to improve his chances at being included in Spain’s 2014 World Cup squad.
The 22-year-old was the star of the show against Italy in Spain’s U21 European Championship triumph and although Barcelona do not want him to leave as Sport reports, they are powerless due to his €18 million release clause.
Thiago has hinted that he will be looking for a move away to secure the first team football Barcelona’s set-up can’t provide.
“We all want to be at the World Cup next year,” Thiago reportedly told Spanish radio station COPE.
“Playing at a World Cup is the highest thing you can do.”
As well as Thiago’s admission of his World Cup dream, Spanish journalist Pepe Gutierrez revealed that due to conflicts of interest, Alcantara’s potential move to Bayern Munich can’t happen to pave the way for him to join Manchester United.
Pepe G: "Tito (Vilanova) met Thiago before the EURO and asked him to be patient and stay at Barcelona."
— Jonas Giæver (@CheGiaevara) June 18, 2013
Pepe G: "Due to conflict of interests and pacts, Thiago will not be joining FC Bayern, Real Madrid or Manchester City."
— Jonas Giæver (@CheGiaevara) June 18, 2013
Pepe G: "A serious option for Thiago is Manchester United."
— Jonas Giæver (@CheGiaevara) June 18, 2013
Now that the U21 European Championships are over, movement from Thiago’s camp is expected to come very quickly.
In comparison, United officially unveiled De Gea’s signing within less than a week after the conclusion of the 2011 U21 Championships and United fans will certainly be hoping that a deal can be swiftly agreed rather than a summer long transfer saga.
“He [Thiago] has offers that are significant enough to make him consider leaving.” Alvaro Morato
U21 team-mate and Golden Boot winner Alvaro Morato also confirmed to podcast El Larguero on Cadena Ser that Thiago has offers on the table, so expect to hear this story unravel in the next week or so.
And if Thiago’s body language is anything to go by, he won’t be partying until he has secured his future.
The Peoples Person will be keeping up-to-date with the latest updates on Thiago’s transfer so keep checking in.
