The speculation surrounding the future of Bayern Munich midfielder, Thiago Alcantara has developed a new twist.
The Spaniard is now been linked with a swap deal for Juventus’s Douglas Costa, who had left the Bavaria club for the Bianconerri.
According to an Italian media, Sportemediaset (via Juvedipendenza.net), Juventus is interested in having an exchange deal to get Alcantara from the European champions. The same report also suggested that the Serie A champions are planning to use winger Costa for a swap deal to get the creative midfielder.
Although Costa has two more years on his contract at Juventus, the Brazilian is currently valued around €30m, which is the same fee that Bayern wants for Alcantara. The former Barcelona midfielder has been heavily linked with Liverpool, who are reportedly not willing to pay that amount for him.
There have also been reports that Liverpool and Thiago had already sorted personal terms, and the only thing left is for Bayern Munich to reduce the asking price for a player that has ten months left on his contract.
Thiago has also been coy on his future when he denied planning to leave the Bavarian club during a press conference. He has returned to training with the team last week ahead of their Bundesliga opener on Friday. This is coming after Bild had suggested that he has been given a week extension to sort out his future.
Thiago Alcantara likely to have an instant impact at Juventus
According to the Italian media, Juve manager, Andrea Pirlo is a big fan of Alcantara. The world cup winner sees him as an ideal, tactical fit in Juventus’s midfield.
Being a technically gifted player on the ball, Alcantara could prove to be a well-suited asset for the Bianconeri and their possession-based style of play.
However, Costa might not likely get a starting shirt if he returns to Bayern. The Brazilian will have to compete for the starting shirt with either new signing Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry, who is having a sensational run of form. Apart from the duo, Costa would also face stiff competition for minutes with Kingsley Coman as well.
Meanwhile, Hansi Flick had said the team needs a replacement for Ivan Perisic who has returned to Inter Milan. So, getting Costa with no additional fee will be a good business for Bayern instead of waiting to lose Alcantara for free next summer.
Bayern’s front office will want to consider every offer for Alcantara especially if Liverpool isn’t willing to pay the full €30m.
