16 Jul 2020 09:24:22
Reports stating we are now possibly looking at Thiago Alcantara. nonsense 002?

{Ed002's Note - Thiago Alcantara (CM/DM) was expected to extend at Bayern Munich but looking at options - Juventus may be interested, and Manchester United might see him as an option. LIverpool have not approached Bayern Munich and has no agreement regardless of what the Fat Kid From Bolton and his invisible friend says. Bayern Munich expected Thiago to extend at Bayern Munich but they do not want to pay more than the €12M a year he is currently on. Bayern Munich have said that they have not been approached by any other side since an enquiry from Juventus and have explicitly stated that Liverpool have not approached them.}

1.) 16 Jul 2020
16 Jul 2020 10:03:29
Thiago's ability to receive the ball from the defence and progress it through midfield would be a brilliant asset to have. We have struggled for years in this regard and while he is a less attack minded player than Grealish, I'd say he would help our attacking play even more.

2.) 16 Jul 2020
16 Jul 2020 10:25:55
Where would he fit in? Would he get into the starting 11? Would he be happy on the bench? I mean. he’s not got the height or physical prowess to replace Matic and I definitely can’t see him starting over Bruno or Pogba.

I also think it doesn’t look good going for a player we chased after years ago, just like Kroos.

3.) 16 Jul 2020
16 Jul 2020 10:41:22
I would be surprised if we went for him. He is getting on a little and hasn’t got the best injury record. Quality at what he does though as rj mentions.

4.) 16 Jul 2020
16 Jul 2020 10:52:54
Him not starting every game may be an issue, potentially as will a salary of 12m + a year. But at the 40m price mentioned, he will be good value overall. I see him as an excellent option when we get pressed by teams similar to Southampton earlier in the week. He is excellent at receiving the ball and keeping it or playing it behind. Our midfield lacks ball control and creativity beyond pogba and bruno and we do not want to run Bruno / Pogba into the ground and ruin them. He also adds experience and is a serial winner - is pals with DeGea from their spain u21 days and is the right age not to block any youngsters coming into the team.
If the 5 substitutions per game becomes the norm next season, which i expect it to, then thiago will play at least 30 games a season, starting 15-20 of them. This week was the first time we played the same team for 4 games in a row in the last 20 years. We can't do that for 38 games next season!
When Kevin Debruyne can sit on the bench and understand that its a squad game - so can Thiago Alcantara. Moreover, if he wants to come to the premier league, our planned style of play will suit him the well unless he wants to go to city and join Pep.
I hope we go for him, but i doubt it will happen. Fingers crossed though.

5.) 16 Jul 2020
16 Jul 2020 11:10:01
I have always been impressed with Alcantara.
Very good vision and passing ability.
He can dictate play from deep and provide killer balls to our pacey forwards.

Another technically good player with proven pedigree. I think his experience can prove to be valuable for our young squad.

6.) 16 Jul 2020
16 Jul 2020 11:24:51
He would have been great had we got him when he went to munich but at the wages and fees and injuries? No brainer for me -spend the cash on Saul- For other regarded positions: test inters resolve with Skriniar and for the right wing try and get Chiesa instead of Sancho. Would be more than happy with that trio in.

7.) 16 Jul 2020
16 Jul 2020 13:02:01
Cracking player. He is 29 not 39. People talk about him like he is over the hill 😂.

8.) 16 Jul 2020
16 Jul 2020 13:19:11
I'd rip bayern arm off for him, fabulous footballer.

9.) 16 Jul 2020
16 Jul 2020 13:47:12
If he played 30 plus games a season he would be fantastic to have.
Personally I'd be surprised he has a poor injury record and is not the profile of player we are linked with recently.
If pogba stays it gives us some great options.
No harm at all getting a real experienced high class player in if his attitude desire hunger and professionalism is high class too. Proven winner.
Would be a Great option to have imo.

10.) 16 Jul 2020
16 Jul 2020 14:51:19
Fantastic player, but I'm not sure he is the type of player we should be looking at. If Pogba leaves then he would be a great replacement in that deeper creative role.

But I think midfield of Thiago, Pogba and Bruno although aesthetically pleasing might lack enough grit and defensive nous to be successful across a season.

Also I don't think his age, cost and injury record fits the clubs ideal profile for new signings.

11.) 16 Jul 2020
16 Jul 2020 14:59:53
4-4-2 with a midfield diamond would be the only way to fit thiago, pogba and bruno in the same side.

Only see it happening if pogba gets a move away.

12.) 16 Jul 2020
16 Jul 2020 14:59:53
4-4-2 with a midfield diamond would be the only way to fit thiago, pogba and bruno in the same side.

Only see it happening if pogba gets a move away.

13.) 16 Jul 2020
16 Jul 2020 15:27:29
Id take him over Grealish all day.

14.) 16 Jul 2020
16 Jul 2020 15:51:18
agree singh but saul would be a) the better profile of playerb) the better value long term and imo the better player out of the 2- can but wish eh?

15.) 16 Jul 2020
16 Jul 2020 16:16:43
Would add flexibility to the team and certainly could help with rotating Pogba and Bruno. One for the more technically minded but would he fit in with the 4222 that we have heard historically Olly likes.

16.) 16 Jul 2020
16 Jul 2020 16:19:49
Doubt we will get Saul if Pogba stays so it makes sense to get Thiago and wait for a year or two to replace Matic with Saul if he is still available.

17.) 16 Jul 2020
16 Jul 2020 17:49:23
Don't need a another Bastian Schweinstger. Plus at that wrong age now. Sign him for 3 years before performance will drop. Plus he would be a replacement for Pogba. Plus can he hack it on a rainy night down in Stoke. Bundesliga a decent league but the Premier League something else. I rather play McTominay or give James Garner more of a opportunity.

18.) 18 Jul 2020
17 Jul 2020 23:12:13
Thomas Partey would be an awesome signing for us if Pogba stays. Sadly we can't be interested in every player out there.