Liverpool could save millions with their “staggering” teenage Thiago heir

Liverpool could save millions with their “staggering” teenage Thiago heir

Liverpool need not sign another No. 8 with this prodigy waiting in the wings.

Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara
Liverpool languished last season but have been reborn after broad changes were made to the struggling midfield last summer. It was a new chapter, supporters knew that, but few foresaw Jurgen Klopp’s decision to not be a part of it.

The revered manager has handed in his notice and will step down from his position at the end of the campaign, and having already won the Carabao Cup in February, he is targetting further triumph in the Premier League and Europa League both.

Klopp isn’t the only person to be draping the curtain on their Anfield career this year, with stalwart Joel Matip likely to depart at the end of the contract in several months.

matip-liverpool-efl-cup-nunez-bournemouth
The 32-year-old Cameroonian has been a rock in defence since joining from Schalke on a free transfer back in 2016 (he was Klopp’s first permanent signing), but bleakly he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in December and is not expected to feature again before the end of the term.

Thiago Alcantara is also out of contract in June; the distinguished Spaniard arrived on Merseyside as one of Europe’s most impressive midfielders, and while he has exhibited his sparkling quality since signing from Bayern Munich in a £25m transfer back in 2020, injury woes have restricted him severely.

Thiago Alcantara’s performances for Liverpool
Thiago was once described as “the most gifted player I’ve seen in the Premier League” by talkSPORT host Tony Cascarino, and there really is no disputing that his range of passing, control and intelligence is on par with any midfield orchestrator across Europe.

Glittering stays with Bayern Munich and Barcelona have seen major honours such as two Champions League titles, seven Bundesliga championships and four La Liga trophies placed in his personal cabinet spoke of his pedigree, and, in fairness, he’s added the FA Cup and Carabao Cup since completing a transfer to Liverpool.

Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara.
But as he nears the culmination of his fourth campaign on English shores, Thiago has never completed more than 20 starting appearances in a single Premier League season, playing just five minutes of action this term, against Arsenal in February, before aggravating the injury that had shackled him in the darkness for so long.

They say that the best ability is availability and given Thiago’s age, torrid track record on the fitness front and sizeable salary, opting against renewing his current terms is something of a no-brainer.

Liverpool: Highest Earners 23/24

#

Player

Salary

1.

Mohamed Salah

£350k-per-week

2.

Virgil van Dijk

£220k-per-week

3.

Thiago Alcantara

£200k-per-week

4.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

£180k-per-week

5.

Alexis Mac Allister

£150k-per-week

5.

Alisson Becker

£150k-per-week

5.

Ryan Gravenberch

£150k-per-week

Sourced via Capology

While last summer’s sweeping changes have alleviated the worry of trying to replace the Spain international, with Alexis Mac Allister namely fit for purpose in a similar type of deep playmaking role, Liverpool appear keen to find a fresh star regardless.

Indeed, recent reports suggest Liverpool are interested in working on a deal for Atalanta midfield Teun Koopmeiners, with the Dutchman valued at £52m by his Serie A outfit after revealing that he wishes to leave this year.

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Is this worth it? Koopmeiners is an impressive and multi-functional player but he’s probably not what Liverpool need, especially when the likes of Stefan Bajcetic are ready to take the step up and assume Thiago’s place in the first team.

Why Stefan Bajcetic could replace Thiago
Spaniard Bajcetic joined Liverpool from Celta Vigo as a 16-year-old for just £224,000 back in December 2020, and after several years honing his craft within Liverpool’s development ranks, he was handed his professional debut off the bench during Liverpool’s 9-0 dismantling over Bournemouth in 2022.

Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic.
His veteran countryman might be more polished and elegant in his distribution but Bajcetic has the trappings of a top player and has already proved himself worthy of a place in Liverpool’s squad after shining among rusty senior peers last term, leading to one writer remarking: “Staggering that Liverpool look most in control this season when 18-year-old Stefan Bajcetic is playing.”

Last year, Bajcetic competed in 11 Premier League games in total before an abductor injury ended his campaign in March, bagging off the bench against Aston Villa after the mid-season pause for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, notably succeeding with 64% of his attempted dribbles as he sought to progress the play and inject some youthful avidity to a withered team.

This season, the teenager did feature twice in the early phase of the campaign and was praised for his “brilliant” effort in a makeshift right-back role against LASK in the Europa League by reporter Neil Jones, but niggling problems have precluded him from enjoying the true breakthrough campaign he will envisage.

Thiago may well have never quite fitted Klopp’s system perfectly but his world-class attributes shone through regardless, though given that his ship has clearly sailed it presents Bajcetic with the perfect opportunity to cement himself during the months to come.

It’s been frustrating for all involved that the 19-year-old has been limited to just two appearances in almost a year after such an incredible start to life on the major stage, but Bajcetic has developed physically in that time and now looks ready to tackle the rigours of top-flight football henceforth.

Rangy, lean and adroit, Bajcetic is the complete package and has the energy and enthusiasm in his play to assume Thiago’s position in the squad and make a lasting impression.

Given the buzz that trailed his efforts last season, thrown in at the deep end, it’s hardly surprising that such a furore is being stirred up as Bajcetic awaits his return. And Liverpool awaits him too.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Angus Sinclair • Opinions & Feature Writer
(2171 Articles Published)
Angus is a freelance analytical writer for Football FanCast.

Having graduated from Southampton Solent University with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2022, Angus found a home at FFC after previously writing for Vavel and OurSoundMusic.

A passionate Liverpool supporter and a lover of statistics, Angus also holds a fondness for MMA and Tennis.

Outside of football, he is a voracious reader with a particular love for fantasy and historical fiction.

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Andy Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Darwin Nunez – Liverpool injury news and return dates
Liverpool injury news and return dates as Andy Robertson hands Jurgen Klopp another blow after coming off in Scotland’s 1-0 home loss to Northern Ireland

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GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MARCH 26: Andrew Robertson of Scotland goes down with an injury during the international friendly match between Scotland and Northern Ireland at Hampden Park on March 26, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Liverpool defender Andy Robertson goes down with an injury during the international friendly match between Scotland and Northern Ireland at Hampden Park on March 26, 2024 (Image: Stu Forster)
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Liverpool suffered another injury blow last night as left-back Andy Robertson was forced off in Scotland’s friendly defeat to Northern Ireland.

The defender started for the second game in a row for his nation following Friday’s 4-0 loss to the Netherlands. Robertson was forced off in the first half at Hampden Park after being on the receiving end of a rough tackle from Trai Hume.

Jurgen Klopp will be hoping that the 30-year-old’s problem isn’t too bad ahead of the return of Premier League action. The Reds will host Brighton on Sunday, March 31, though for now the squad is spread across the globe competing for their countries.

The latest internationals saw Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo feature for Colombia and the Netherlands respectively while Ibrahima Konate played for 90 minutes for France on last night, despite all leaving Merseyside with fitness concerns.

Here the ECHO analyses the fitness of 10 players Liverpool boss Klopp will be sweating on ahead of the visit of Brighton to Anfield.

Andrew Robertson
Andy Robertson’s 63rd international appearance for Scotland ended early as he was forced off after 37 minutes. Steve Clarke’s struggling side lost 1-0 after Robertson’s Liverpool team-mate Conor Bradley scored his first goal for Northern Ireland.

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The defender, who missed a large part of the season due to a shoulder injury sustained playing for Scotland in October, held his ankle before looking dejected walking off the pitch.

Scotland boss Clarke said: “He’s just come off the pitch, let the injury take it’s course, he’ll go back to his club, they will assess it and hopefully it’s not too serious.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Darwin Nunez
Darwin Nunez was arguably in his finest form in Red heading into the international break, scoring four goals and providing two assists in four appearances. It earned him another call-up for Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay squad. However, that had to be turned down as the striker suffered a potential hamstring injury against Manchester United.

He had also been ruled out briefly in February, though Klopp and his medical staff remain hopeful that the issue is not a serious one. It is yet to be known whether Nunez will be fit in time for the visit of Brighton.

Potential return date: Brighton (H) – March 31.

Curtis Jones
Another player who was becoming one of the first names on Klopp’s team sheet week-in, week-out, Curtis Jones unexpectedly suffered an awkward landing on his ankle against Brentford in mid-February and has been out of action since.

Thankfully, though, his progress looks to have been timed perfectly for the return of the Premier League this week with his manager hopeful of his involvement in some capacity against the Seagulls. This will hinge on his progress during the break.

Potential return date: Brighton (H) – March 31.

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Trent Alexander-Arnold
A big miss has been the creativity of Trent-Alexander Arnold, though with the rise of Bradley, Liverpool have coped well in the full-back’s absence.

The vice-captain nears a return from the knee injury that has kept him sidelined for the majority of 2024 so far, but still has some work to do. Klopp stated that he did not expect Alexander-Arnold back until the second week after the break, which matches up with the away league visit to Manchester United on Sunday, April 7.

Potential return date: Manchester United (A) – April 7.

Diogo Jota
Also taking a blow against Brentford, Diogo Jota came off worse after being landed on by an opponent. The problem was later revealed to be a knee injury and Liverpool have been hopeful of their instinctive finisher’s return ever since.

Like Alexander-Arnold, early April was as much detail as was revealed about Jota’s return. It means the first couple of fixtures should be too early, though United remains a possibility.

Potential return date: Manchester United (A) – April 7.

Alisson Becker
A hamstring issue has prevented Liverpool’s No.1 from standing between the sticks for some big matches since February, however Caoimhin Kelleher has stepped up in his absence.

All has been quiet about an exact return date for Alisson Becker though there evidently is no rush given his importance to the team. Expect an update from Klopp once domestic action is back in full flow.

Potential return date: Unknown.

Stefan Bajcetic
Stefan Bajcetic has been an unfortunate absence given his exciting maiden campaign in England. The 19-year-old has been nursing various setbacks over the course of the season but is excitingly closing in on a comeback.

The defensive midfielder has been building up to match fitness, being pictured at the AXA Training Centre this week with a much bigger frame and enhanced leg muscles. He is effectively going through his own pre-season before being allowed to rejoin full-team training with Klopp and the squad.

Potential return date: April.

Thiago Alcantara
That five-minute cameo in February’s defeat to Arsenal may be the only sight of Thiago Alcantara in what is appearing to be his final campaign on Merseyside, given the 32-year-old’s contract will expire in a matter of months.

It is not confirmed yet if that will be the case, though he faces a race against time to overcome his latest hamstring problem before the end of the season.

Potential return date: Unknown.

Joel Matip
Joel Matip has been recovering from an ACL injury sustained against Fulham in December. The central defender is in the same boat as Thiago, with his contract also on course to expire at the end of the season.

He was snapped in a social media post by Mohamed Salah putting in work at the AXA Training Centre.

Potential return date: Unknown.

Ben Doak
The 2023/24 campaign looked to be a big one for the young Scotsman, however a knee injury suffered playing for the Reds’ Under-21s in December curtailed that.

His particular issue is believed to require a lengthy spell of recovery, therefore there remains no clear timeframe for Ben Doak’s return.

Potential return date: Unknown

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£250,000-a-week star has played his last game for Man City
BY
CHARLIE SMITH
PUBLISHED 2 HOURS AGO
It could be another busy summer at the Etihad.

etihad-stadium
A big Manchester City earner has played his last game for the club, according to a new report.

Man City transfer rumours
Pep Guardiola’s full focus is on matters on the pitch as we head into the business stage of the season, with City still on track to defend their Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League titles from last season.

Man City’s upcoming fixtures

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March 31st

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However, those behind the scenes at the Etihad appear to be making plans on summer targets. Reports in recent days have suggested that Man City are ready to make a bid for Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala, whereas they are also monitoring Bayern Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz.

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Away from Germany, Man City have also allegedly made an approach for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. Should a number of players come in, there could be a plethora of exits, and it looks as if one specific departure is certain to happen over the coming months.

Joao Cancelo transfer update
Recently, City full-back Joao Cancelo, currently out on loan with Barcelona, hit out at claims that he was a bad teammate to Nathan Ake and Rico Lewis before his loan to Bayern Munich, where he was hailed as an “important player” by former Bayern director Hasan Salihamidzic.

“Lies were told! I’ve never been a bad teammate for them and you can ask either Ake or Rico. I don’t have any superiority or inferiority complex towards them, but that’s the manager’s opinion.

“I think Man City were a bit ungrateful to me when they said that, because I was a very important player in the years I was there. I never failed in my commitment to the club, to the fans and I always gave everything.

“I remember a time when I was robbed and attacked and the next day I was playing at the Emirates against Arsenal. These are things you don’t forget, I left my wife and my daughter alone at home, terrified.

“People will only remember this because Mister Guardiola has much more strength than me when he says something and I prefer to keep to myself. I prefer to know that I am telling the truth, I feel fulfilled with what I did. I am a transparent person, I never lie.”

Football Insider have now provided a new update on Cancelo’s future at Man City, saying that the Portugal international has played his last game for the club.

Joao-Cancelo-Barcelona
Cancelo doesn’t want to return to the Etihad following his loan at Barcelona, and the feeling is mutual, with City not wanting him back either.

It will be interesting to see where the £250,000-a-week defender ends up, especially following rumours of a move to top-flight rival Arsenal in recent days.

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Charlie Smith • Assistant Editor
(5541 Articles Published)
Charlie is a football writer and assistant editor on FootballFanCast.com and has worked for the company for a number of years.

He began with Snack Media during his time at UCFB’s Etihad Campus, and after graduating in 2019, has held full-time roles on the Read Network and The Transfer Tavern.

A big Leeds United fan, Charlie has covered a variety of sports during his time with the company and has been a correspondent for football clubs both in England and Scotland.

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Cody Gakpo may have just taught Jurgen Klopp a valuable lesson while on international dutyPhoto by ANP via Getty Images
Cody Gakpo may have just taught Jurgen Klopp a valuable lesson while on international duty
Tue 26 March 2024 18:30
Bence Bocsak
Sometimes there is a great disparity between how a player plays for the club team and then how they play for their national team. A great case in example, is Cody Gakpo.

The Liverpool forward has been a really valuable part of the Reds’ squad this season. He’s already got 18 goal contributions for Liverpool in all competitions and has rarely missed a game due to injury. Based on those factors, it’s difficult to criticise him – Gakpo is delivering when it matters.

However, recently he has come under a little bit of criticism. Over the course of Liverpool’s last few games there is no denying, that especially, when Gakpo was introduced from the bench he has made little impact. Yet conversely, for his national team, Gakpo showed a completely different side to his game. Someone who didn’t look like he was out of form at all.

Netherlands v Scotland – International Friendly
Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images
What Cody Gakpo’s form can teach Jurgen Klopp
For the Netherlands, Gakpo has been one of the country’s most important players over the last few months, or even years. Ever since the World Cup, where he was the country’s top-scorer at the tournament in Qatar.

Meanwhile, in his last five games for the Netherlands, Gakpo also has five goal contributions (three goals and two assists). Including two brilliant assists against Scotland in the Netherlands’ most recent international fixture.

So why has Gakpo been able to become such a linchpin of the national team? The answer lies in how he is used. For Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp often deploys Gakpo with his back to goal playing as the focal point of the attack. However, for the Netherlands, Gakpo is used often as a wide left-winger.

Sometimes he is used centrally but often playing in behind a striker, which means he is more of a number ten rather than the nine that he is expected to play at Liverpool. This may offer a clue as to how to best utilise him in a Liverpool shirt as well.

Gakpo is much more effective when he can drop deeper and pick the ball up to advance into dangerous areas. He is less effective when playing with his back to goal. If Klopp wants to fully maximise Gakpo’s ability, then this is something that must be taken into consideration. Gakpo simply doesn’t have the strength at the moment to be a number nine. But he does have the speed and the technical ability to run at opponents and beat them with ease.

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Next Liverpool manager: Xabi Alonso says ‘yes’ to replacing Klopp but big snag emerges amid Fabrizio Romano ‘obsession’ claims
James Marshment 1 hour ago

Xabi Alonso is the top target to become next Liverpool manager

Liverpool have been given a significant lift in their quest to appoint Xabi Alonso as the heir to Jurgen Klopp after promiment broadcaster Richard Keys claimed the Spaniard has given the green light to the move – though an update on the situation from Fabrizio Romano perhaps tempers that belief.

The Merseysiders are now less than three months away from waving a tearful farewell to legendary boss Klopp, who will walk away from Anfield for a much needed rest after close to nine, intense and exciting years at the Liverpool helm. His last match in charge, however, is still to be determined and will either come at home to Wolves in the Premier League on Sunday May 19, or three days later, in the Dublin-staged Europa League final on Wednesday May 22.

The Reds would, understandably, love to bid farewell to their charismatic German coach with a big party in the nearest capital city to Anfield in what would prove a fitting farewell to Klopp’s Anfield reign.

DON’T MISS ~ Next Liverpool manager’s to-do list: Five major tasks for Klopp successor, from contracts to transfers

And while emotions are sure to get the better of many Liverpool fans, behind the scenes the club cannot afford to get too emotional and are well into the process of identifying – and hopefully appointing – his successor.

That task is being put in the very capable hands of the returning Michael Edwards, who is back at Anfield but this time with the more senior role of CEO of football.

Having landed on a new sporting director first up in Richard Hughes, the focus is now very much centred on