Last summer, it was the stunning transfer of Robin Van Persie that caught our imagination and swept us all unanimously off our feet. The surprising coup had us all delirious with joy and hysteria. Twelve months down the line, as David Moyes’ arrival is imminent, the impending arrival of Thiago Alcantara has similarly shook our core, there is a universal yearning for the youngster’s signature.
Today’s edition of Marca ran the story that Barcelona had aborted all last-ditch attempts to convince Thiago to stick it out with the Catalan club, despite Tito Vilanova failing to offer guarantees to the youngster that his playing time would increase.
It seems that the Spanish under 21 captain has no intention of fighting for his place with the Catalan club, especially as his goal is to make the progression to the senior international setup, something he would surely not attain if he spent the upcoming season warming the Barca bench.
Marca crudely spun some quotes made by new Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola, who knows Thiago as well as anyone, having brought him through the ranks and then managed him for the full side. Guardiola, who was often touted as Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor, said that players only leave Barcelona to further their career and get more playing time, not for financial gain. This was construed as Guardiola declaring his interest in the want-away midfielder.
However, this apparent ‘interest’ should not strike too much fear into our bones. Bayern already have an overflowing plethora of midfield options- Schweinsteiger, Kroos, Ribery, Robben, Shaqiri, Gotze and others. Moving to Bavaria would bring up the exact problem which has led him to seek pastures new.
The same cannot be said for us. We are definitely in the market for at least one central midfielder, after the retirement of Paul Scholes, health concerns over Darren Fletcher and doubts lingering over Anderson’s long-term United future.
Thiago is an addition we cannot afford to miss out on. Our previous reluctance to enter the market for a player in the engine room has been a long-standing gripe from many supporters, Thiago looks certain to end that wait and appease the disgruntled supporters.
The thought of Thiago fitting in alongside Michael Carrick and Shinji Kagawa is simply mouth-watering.
The English and Spanish media have reported that we have offered Thiago a five-year deal to resurrect his career worth 30 million euros. Now Barcelona have seemingly given up hope of keeping him, the path is seemingly clear for us to apply the finishing touches to the protracted deal.
Thiago said during the Under 21 Championship that his future would become clear after the conclusion of the tournament, which he ended by scoring the perfect hat-trick. With the player currently on holiday, one can only assume that an agreement has been reached over wages (something that Sky Sports’ Spanish football expert Graham Hunter tweeted recently). This is the only requirement to meet with the player, having met his buyout clause of 18 million euros- a staggering price in today’s hyper-inflated market, and a drop of 72 million euros after he failed to meet game time criteria in his contract.
David Moyes officially takes office on July 1st, by which point we should have some very positive news and an announcement to make.
Would you be happy with Thiago arriving?
This move is perfect for both player and club, the wait is almost over.
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Follow Paul Rowles on Twitter.
i’ve long longed for the arrival of thiago alcantara @oldtrafford,even during the reign of Sir,Alex Ferguson.Now,it gives me quite a pleasant pleasure,to acknowledge that new boss,David Moyes is also interested in landing the spanish young star.This,however,would have been utd signing of the season,if David Moyes successfullly captures him.
Thiago Alcantara has been needed in United’s midfield for the last 3/4 years those games where we struggled against the likes of Chelsea due to their packed midfield will at last be at an end,hopefully there is going to be other signings in midfield this time more defensive in nature “Strootman or “fellani” would do .