Thiago Alcântara’s tenure at Liverpool is nearing its end, with his contract set to expire at the end of the month. The club has no plans to renew the agreement that was made in September 2020, when Thiago joined from Bayern Munich for a fee of £25 million. His time at Anfield has been marred by persistent fitness issues, especially in the past year, limiting his contributions on the field.
During his stint with the Reds, Thiago has been sidelined frequently due to injuries. Notably, he managed only a few minutes on the pitch in a late appearance against Arsenal in February. His last start for Liverpool dates back to a 3-0 defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers 14 months ago. In total, Thiago has made just 98 appearances for Liverpool out of the 226 games played by the team during his time there. Remarkably, he has started only one of the last 74 matches, despite being one of the club’s highest earners.
Thiago’s struggles were compounded when he underwent surgery 12 months ago in an effort to be fit for the start of the season. However, his comeback was short-lived, as he played only five minutes in a 3-1 loss to Arsenal on February 4. The decision to have surgery ahead of schedule was a bid to regain his fitness, but unfortunately, it did not yield the desired results.
Last summer, Thiago rejected offers from the Saudi Pro League, hoping to play a pivotal role in Liverpool’s revamped midfield. However, ongoing injury problems thwarted his ambitions, and a contract renewal was never considered. At 29, Thiago’s acquisition was a departure from Liverpool’s typical transfer strategy under Fenway Sports Group, which usually favors younger talent. Nevertheless, the club was eager to harness his experience and quality, having recognized him as one of Europe’s top midfielders following his impressive performances for Bayern Munich during their 2019/20 Champions League-winning campaign.
Thiago’s time at Liverpool has been riddled with setbacks. His first significant injury occurred less than a month after joining the club, during a 2-2 draw with Everton in the Merseyside derby. This injury kept him out for over two months, setting the tone for a challenging period at Anfield.
Reflecting on his departure, Thiago expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the club and its supporters. “Appreciation and gratitude – they are two words that come to mind on the day I have to say goodbye to all of you, Reds,” he said. “I am thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of this city, this club, and this community. The continuous support I have received since day one has been incredible: Anfield cheering, the Kop chanting… amazing, overwhelming.
“A very unique fan base for a unique club. These past four years have been a time of learning for me and my family. Some wins, some defeats, but without a doubt, a life-changing experience.”
As Thiago bids farewell to Liverpool, his words underscore the emotional connection he has formed with the club and its fans, despite the challenges he faced. His journey at Liverpool has been a mixture of highs and lows, victories and setbacks, but his appreciation for the club and its supporters remains profound.