Bayern Munch manager Pep Guardiola has stated his desire to sign Thiago Alcântara from Barcelona, who is at the top of Manchester United’s summer transfer list.
Thiago looks to be heading away from Barcelona after not gaining a regular first-team place last term, which triggered his buy out clause coming down from €90million to just €17million.
Manchester United have been the favourites to sign the Spanish midfielder all summer, after the club enquired direct at the end of May which resulted in Thiago’s father and agent Pere Guardiola (brother of Pep) flying to Manchester to discuss contract offers.
Bayern Munich and Pep Guardiola have now put a spanner in the works, with the manager coming out to say he wants Thiago in Germany.
At his press conference this morning Guardiola said:
“I want Thiago Alcântara. I have asked but I don’t know what will happen
“I know him very well. I talked to chief executive (Karl-Heinz) Rummenigge and director (Matthias) Sammer about him, we will wait and then see.”
Thiago is set to leave Barcelona to assure first-team football each week, a assurance that David Moyes has given the 22-year-old if he is to choose Manchester United.
Guardiola has also insisted the competition in midfield at Bayern would not be an issue for Thiago.
He said:
“I don’t think (adding another midfielder) will be a problem
I spoke to the club about my concept and told them why I want Thiago.
“Thiago is the only player I want, that’s what I told them. It will be him or no one. We have many players but we the need the special (quality) that Thiago brings.
“The club will decide. I told them my opinion.”
Thiago is still officially on holiday until the 15th July and is yet to tell Barcelona of his intention to leave the club.
Odds this morning were in favour of him joining Bayern Munich with odds of 4/11, while odds on him joining Manchester United slumped to 4/1.
