The ex-Spain midfielder hung up his boots at the end of last season
He reunites with the manager he won a Champions League title under
By WILL CASTLE
Published: 07:16 EST, 19 December 2024 | Updated: 07:16 EST, 19 December 2024
A former Liverpool star looks set to take up a role in the Barcelona coaching setup in the new year.
The player in question hung up his boots at the end of last season, opting to call time on a decorated playing career following the expiration of his contract at Anfield.
But instead of stepping away from football entirely, the renowned midfield maestro has embarked on a career in coaching.
And after spending time in the Barca dugout during their summer tour of the United States, Thiago Alcantara appears primed for a permanent reunion with the club where it all started.
The 33-year-old is expected to be incorporated into Hansi Flick's staff next month, according to Marca.
This comes after Thiago impressed the Blaugrana hierarchy during his summer stint, with his coexistence with Flick and the first team seen as beneficial for all parties.
Thiago Alcantara was a notable face in the Barcelona dugout during the summer
Thiago made just the one appearance for Liverpool in his final season as continued injury problems forced the Spaniard into retirement
Thiago ended his career having one almost everything there was to win, earning league titles in Spain and Germany as well as winning the Champions League twice
Thiago's initial tenure with Barcelona was only on a short-term basis, with the club announcing that his duties were going to be carried out by experienced La Masia coach Arnau Blanco upon his exit in August.
It is understood that Thiago's return will not spell the end of Blanco's involvement in the first team, who has wowed Barca bosses with his excellent work since taking the role.
The ex-Spain international has a long-standing relationship with Flick that dates back to their Bayern Munich days, with Thiago starring under his tutelage to help secure a Bundesliga and Champions League double in 2020.
Thiago made his move to Liverpool in the summer that followed, becoming a fan favourite on Merseyside as he added an FA Cup and a Carabao Cup to his list of accolades.
However, Thiago was plagued with injury problems throughout his Reds tenure and after playing just five minutes in the 2023/24 season, the midfielder chose to retire at the end of the campaign.
He now looks in line for a return to the club where he made his professional debut, first making his mark on European football for Barcelona between 2009 and 2013.
Thiago will hope to help keep the club on course towards a 28th LaLiga title, with the club sitting pretty at the top of the table after 18 games.