Classy Liverpool star and exciting Man Utd talent wanted in huge Barcelona double swoop; Tottenham also under threat
Liverpool stars Thiago Alcantara, Diogo Jota and Fabinho
Players from Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham could head to Barcelona after Blaugrana manager Xavi drew up an exciting list of Premier League signings, according to reports.
Barca are dealing with some big changes this summer, as long-term stars Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba have left. Xavi has reacted to those departures by bringing in Ilkay Gundogan and Inigo Martinez on free transfers.
But Barca will need more players to arrive if they are to retain the La Liga title next season and also impress in the Champions League. And the Catalan giants could resultantly move for Liverpool midfielder Thiago.
According to Spanish source Cadena Cope, Barca are on the hunt for an ‘elite midfielder’ and Thiago fits the bill. He would slot in very well at Barca too, having come through their academy and made 100 appearances before leaving for Bayern in 2013.
Barca have been given encouragement that they can snap Thiago up for a reduced price. This is because he is now 32 years old, plus the fact his contract with Liverpool expires in June 2024.
Thiago has now become the latest Liverpool player to be linked with an Anfield exit. Al Ettifaq are trying to reunite Jordan Henderson with their new manager Steven Gerrard, while Fabinho is also likely to receive an offer from Saudi Arabia. Of course, Liverpool have already allowed Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to depart on free transfers.
READ MORE: Liverpool rocked by Fabrizio Romano bombshell with Klopp target now a ‘priority’ for Man City
Cadena Cope’s update does mention Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, whom Barca have chased for a while. But the Spanish giants will struggle to match the wages Saudi clubs can offer him.
If Barca miss out on both Silva and Thiago, then they will hunt the services of Tottenham’s Giovani Lo Celso. This is not the first time Barca have been backed to capture Lo Celso.
Barcelona interested in Man Utd, Tottenham players too
In June, it emerged that Xavi is a big fan of the Argentine following a conversation with Lionel Messi. This resulted in Barca eyeing a season-long loan with an option to buy.
Lo Celso could also head to the Nou Camp as part of a swap deal involving Barca centre-back Clement Lenglet, who spent last term on loan at Spurs.
Barca are not just eyeing immediate improvements to their squad, they are also hoping to ensure their future is bright. According to Sport, who cite reports coming out of Spain, Barca are attempting to re-sign 19-year-old right-back Marc Jurado.
He is a product of the Barca academy, though he left in September 2020 to join Man Utd’s U18 side. Jurado has since gained promotion to Man Utd U21s, though he is yet to make his senior debut for the Red Devils.
But Barca hope to take Jurado back to Spain before he can even make an impact at Old Trafford. They believe he can excel with their B team before potentially becoming their first-choice right-back in a few years. And a transfer back to Spain may just appeal to Jurado, as he is from the country and represents their national team at U19 level.
