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.
The 32-year-old has been dogged by injury problems throughout his time on Merseyside and is yet to feature in 2023/24 because of a hip issue.
The Reds spent heavily in the summer transfer window to overhaul their midfield, bringing in Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo, and currently top the Premier League table after a fine run of form.
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.
Thiago certainly has the experience of getting over the line, winning 11 domestic titles alone with Barcelona and Bayern Munich, and sources understand that he hopes to convince Klopp and Liverpool’s hierarchy that he’s worthy of a contract extension.
The four-year contract Thiago signed when joining the club in September 2020 expires this summer, and he has been heavily linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League. However, the Spaniard has shown little to no interest in making the switch, despite the huge money on offer, and is unlikely to consider a U-turn unless he becomes a free agent in the summer.
Liverpool are interested in signing a new defensive midfielder to strengthen their squad further, though their priorities may shift to bringing in a new central defender after Joel Matip’s season-ending knee injury.
Jurgen Klopp has suggested Liverpool have enough cover in their squad, but their Premier League title ambitions and status as one of the favourites to win the Europa League may alter the German’s thinking before the January window closes.
Saudi clubs may make a move for Thiago in that time, but 90min understands he’ll look to rebuff the interest in order to play a big role for Liverpool between now and the end of the season.
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