Real Madrid could use some center midfield depth for 2020-2021, but Thiago is an extremely unlikely option.
Before La Liga’s return, Real Madrid were linked to Bayern Munich star David Alaba, likely as a ploy for the Austrian defender and center midfielder to negotiate a better contract with a club that seemed reluctant to give him a raise.
Now, Defensa Central reports that Los Blancos have been offered an opportunity to sign Thiago Alcantara by Bayern. Thiago has been pushing for a transfer out of Bavaria, as the Spanish deep-lying midfielder would like a new challenge in his career, with Liverpool looking like a possible destination.
Per the report from Defensa Central, Die Roten are looking for a mere 30-35 million euros, which is around what has been mentioned as the possible fee for the Reds in the Premier League.
The problem is that 30 to 35 million euros is still too rich for Real Madrid. This is a club that has an opportunity to sign Eduardo Camavinga, who is also linked to Bayern, but won’t due to a desire to wait until 2021.
Real Madrid are taking the economic impact of COVID-19 seriously, much moreso than a lot of other big clubs in Europe. They won’t be making any major signings this summer and are attempting to raise 180 million euros, perhaps because they need to pinch every penny in order to afford their undeniable top target – the organization-altering Kylian Mbappe from PSG.
Los Blancos have already sold Achraf Hakimi to Inter Milan for 40 million euros, and they are in negotiations to sell other young players like Borja Mayoral and Oscar Rodriguez for potentially 40 million euros combined. James Rodriguez and Gareth Bale are on the sale list.
Thiago is a world-class player. He is honestly on the level of players like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos at the White House and has been the Bundesliga’s best midfielder over the last several years. It really isn’t close.
So while it is flattering for a club of Bayern’s stature to offer another midfielder to the champions of La Liga, Real Madrid almost certainly won’t bite. If they do sign a midfielder this summer, it will be someone younger for half the price, such as one-time Bayern target Marc Roca.