Thiago’s transfer risk puts Liverpool in a situation that Bayern are trying to avoid

Liverpool is still associated with a move for Bayern Munich star Thiago Alcantara – but are they playing with fire?

The 29-year-old midfielder is eager to join the Premier League champions, but has yet to be approached.

Finances are tight in Anfield, and Jürgen Klopp is already aware that if he is to choose Thiago’s services, he will have to raise money by selling current cadre members.

Bayern would rather sell Thiago this summer than lose him for free when his contract expires next year but are reportedly still at £ 45million price.

Klopp has no intention of getting any closer to that number, although they are still keen to reach an agreement.

However, the boss of the Reds risks putting himself in the same situation as his colleagues in the Bundesliga.

Thiago’s quality was again on show in a masterclass against Chelsea on Saturday and he would be a great addition to Klopp’s squad.

There is one problem, however – where will he be playing?

This is where Klopp’s potential puzzle comes in.

Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum is also in the last 12 months of his contract with no immediate signs of extension on the horizon.

Talks between the two parties are said to have gone well in June, but it appears they have now stalled.

Athletic’s David Ornstein claims there are currently no ongoing negotiations between Liverpool bosses and Wijnaldum representatives.

He adds that Liverpool are neither pushing to sell the Dutchman nor that Wijnaldum want to leave, but they now seem to be at a crossroads.

Wijnaldum is said to be demanding a long-term contract to stay in Anfield for another four to five years.

Liverpool are only content to offer the 29-year-old a three-year deal due to his advancing years.

Given the widespread competition for seats in Liverpool, a move for Thiago would undoubtedly have an impact on Wijnaldum’s season as they play in similar roles.

This is hardly the scenario that would give a player the confidence to dedicate his future to the club.

Liverpool would also have been interested in renewing Wijnaldum’s contract, even if they intended to let him go at a later date so they could charge a fee.

This opens up the prospect that Wijnaldum may cut off an extension and leave the Merseyside club for free next summer.

So Liverpool could not only get Thiago’s signature, but also lose Wijnaldum for free in a year.

In addition, the coming season is set as the time for Naby Keita to shine after two injury-related seasons in Liverpool, which intensifies the competition for places.

Wijnaldum could of course still sign a new deal while there is still a lot to decide whether Thiago will complete a transfer to Merseyside.

In any case, Klopp has a big decision to make in the coming weeks, and it seems that decision is far from being resolved.

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