Liverpool have made official contact with Bayern Munich for the first time about signing Thiago Alcantara, according to the Guardian‘s Fabrizio Romano.
The usually reliable reporter claims that Bayern are demanding €30m (£27m) for the Spanish international and it will be up to Liverpool whether they want to pay it or not:
Liverpool are in contact with Bayern Münich for Thiago Alcantara. The player would love to join and Klopp wants him (still working also for Wijnaldum to sign a new contract).
Bayern want no less than €30m to sell Thiago. It’s up to Liverpool now… ? #LFC #Bayern #Thiago— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 13, 2020
Romano’s reporting on this story has since been disputed with the Liverpool Echo having quoted one inside source stating the claim is “nonsense.” It hasn’t stopped fans on Twitter getting excited about the prospect of signing Thiago:
We can offer €3.0. Take it or leave it.
— Jubin Kurian Varghese (@jubinkv) August 13, 2020
I beg it’s already done
— Joe? (@sisenor_9) August 13, 2020
Bring Thiago as Lallana's replacement till Jones get matured, he (Thiago) can still play actively for the next 4-5 years by then Jones will be at his best
— Onojah simeon (@SimeonOnojah) August 14, 2020
???????????? Come on Jurgen let's go and get him ?@LFC release the funds#YNWA
— Craig (@Craig70614642) August 13, 2020
When someone of his quality becomes available at that price it's a no brainer. Offers different things to our midfield, proven winner and should bring experience in which is absolutely vital in winning/retaining championships
— LFC Fan Zone (@LFCFanZone_1892) August 13, 2020
IT'S TIME!!!!!!! probably after Bayern's CL campaign though BUT IT'S TIMEEEEE!!!!!
— TalkingRed BLM ⭐️19⭐️ LEAGUE CHAMPIONS (@TalkingRed23) August 13, 2020
I think #LFC will announce #ThiagoAlcantara as soon as the Champions League is finished or Bayern get knocked out.
— DeanC (@dean_crocker) August 13, 2020
Despite the Italian journalist’s excellent recent track record, it’s probably best to take this story with a large pinch of salt. As some other reporters have pointed out, the Reds are highly unlikely to spend £27m on a player who will be available on a free transfer next summer, especially when he is 29 years of age, and they already have a number of other options in midfield.