Bayern Munich were knocked out of the Champions League semi-final by Real Madrid on May 1st, but Thiago Alcántara was one of the standout players for the Bavarians at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Looking at the Spain international’s display, many Barcelona fans have asked why the club can’t re-sign the midfielder. So Mundo Deportivo explains why the Catalan club will not be able to make an approach for his services in the summer transfer window.
The 27-year-old left the Camp Nou due to lack of playing time with the Spanish giants. He made a switch to Bayern in 2013, when Pep Guardiola took charge at the Allianz Arena. At the German club, he has established as one of the regulars in the last four seasons.
Thiago’s form attracted attention from the Blaugrana as they were looking at the option of landing him last summer. Barcelona technical secretary Robert Fernandez travelled to the Parc des Princes to watch Spain’s friendly victory over France in March 2017.
Fernandez was, according to the claims, in the attendance to watch Gerard Deulofeu, who returned to the Camp Nou last summer (now on loan at Watford) and Thiago. After the tie, Barcelona technical secretary went to Thiago’s hotel and discussed the possibility of returning to Spain.
This conversation took place because Barcelona received information the midfielder was looking for a new challenge after spending four seasons (then) at Bayern. The opportunity to return to Barcelona where his brother Rafinha (now at Inter) was, proved attractive.
After having several discussions, Thiago and Robert decided to “take some time” before deciding how the latter can execute his return to Barcelona. But the Spanish side’s chances of re-signing their former player suffered a blow when he signed a new contract at Bayern a month later.
This ended Barcelona’s chances of bringing him back to the club last summer.
