Liverpool are unlikely to offer Thiago Alcantara a new contract to avoid the Spaniard entering the final year of his deal. They are happy to risk him leaving for free in 2024.
That is according to Goal, which reports that Liverpool do not have any plans in the making to table a contract extension for Thiago. The 32-year-old remains on the same deal that he penned in September 2020 having left Bayern Munich for Anfield with a four-year contract.
Thiago has often been a key presence on Merseyside under boss Jurgen Klopp since he left Bavaria. But the Reds’ £20m, rising to £25m with all add-ons, addition endured yet another frustrating season with injuries during the 2022/23 campaign after a number of problems.
Thiago endured a frustrating season with injuries in 22/23
Klopp only fielded Thiago in 28 of Liverpool’s 52 games across all competitions in 2022/23. He further only started the 46-cap international in 23 of those matches. While Thiago laid on just one assist, coming in the FA Cup at Wolverhampton Wanderers, and also failed to score.
A sole goal from Harvey Elliott 13 minutes into their match at Molineux proved enough for Liverpool to win their FA Cup third-round replay with Wolves. But Elliott made and scored their effort after running unchallenged before placing a perfect 30-yard strike past Jose Sa.
Anfield chiefs are happy to risk Thiago leaving for free in 2024
Thiago also started in Liverpool’s FA Cup fourth-round defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion in January. Yet he would only play in five of their following 21 games across all competitions. He developed a hip injury in February and would later undergo surgery on it at the start of May.
The campaign had started well for Thiago back in July when he shone at Wembley against Manchester City in the Community Shield. Tony Cascarino even claimed Thiago was one of the ‘most gifted’ players in the Premier League. But his injury problems would soon begin.
Now, Liverpool appear willing to risk Thiago leaving for free come 2024 by not offering the Spaniard a new contract. He remains a leading part of Klopp’s plans when fit. But Thiago’s injuries will likely leave him playing for his future at Anfield when the 23/24 season starts.
