Liverpool midfielder Thiago is reportedly eyeing a contract extension at the club in 2024, looking to prove himself when he returns to the side.
The 32-year-old was such an eye-catching signing when he arrived at Anfield back in 2020, looking like a sprinkling of world-class magic on top of an industrious midfield.
Thiago’s brilliance as a footballer has rarely been in doubt for the Reds, with the Spaniard playing a role in Jurgen Klopp’s men almost winning a quadruple in 2021/22, but injuries have been a huge issue.
At the end of this season, Liverpool’s No.6 will see his current deal expire, at which point a decision will need to be made regarding his future.
The Reds may decide that it is the right time to move him on for free, given his age and injury record, or Klopp could feel he still has something to offer.
According to 90min, Thiago may want to extend his stay at Liverpool beyond next year, hopefully returning from injury soon and proving his worth:
“Thiago Alcantara believes he can still play a big role for Liverpool this season and hopes he could even earn a new contract, 90min understands.
[…]
“90min understands that Thiago is closing on a return to action, likely early next year, and is hopeful of playing a major role for Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool bid to end Manchester City’s run of three successive Premier League crowns.”
Our thoughts on Thiago’s Liverpool future…
This is a big decision that Liverpool have to make with Thiago, considering he hasn’t yet played a single minute of action this season and turns 33 before the end of the campaign. Only 71 starts in three-and-a-bit years further highlights the issue.
The former Barcelona man is a stunning footballer to watch when he is in full flow, running matches from midfield and picking out passes that others are incapable of producing, but it is pointless keeping an injury-prone figure around.
Realistically, Thiago has to prove himself in the coming months, in terms of both form and availability – if he can’t stay fit and again finds himself on the sidelines, it is hard to justify retaining his services.
He is on £200,000 per week at Liverpool, which could be used on a younger alternative next summer, so the importance of him hitting the ground running upon his return cannot be downplayed.
