Former Barcelona midfielder ‘tempted’ to return to club

The retirement of Thiago Alcantara from professional football has almost instantaneously led to speculation over the next chapter of his career.

Thiago, who had been considering retirement for quite some time, is expected to take up coaching opportunities, following in the footsteps of many Spanish midfielders in the past, including Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique, Xabi Alonso and Xavi, among others.

Shortly after the announcement of his retirement, Barcelona have been linked with a move for Thiago, with Hansi Flick reportedly keen on hiring him as part of his coaching staff.

Thiago tempted to return to Barcelona

A recent report from Toni Juanmarti has reiterated Flick’s interest in Thiago, suggesting that the Barcelona coach is pushing to have the Spaniard as part of his staff.

Flick and Thiago had worked together during their spell at Bayern Munich. The German knows the midfielder quite well while the player himself is aware of the coach’s tactical style.

Will Thiago reunite with Flick this summer? (Photo by CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

As per Juanmarti, Thiago is yet to provide any green light to a potential Barcelona return, but he has shown positive hints.

The report even goes on to suggest that the former Bayern Munich midfielder is tempted to return to Barcelona. He is, after all, a product of the La Masia youth academy and was linked with a return to Camp Nou multiple times during his spell at Liverpool.

Positive signs all around

There are positive signs all around, as far as Thiago’s return to Barcelona is concerned and if everything goes well, the former midfielder could return to Catalonia after 11 years.

Should Thiago accept the opportunity, the club will move forward with an official proposal, which could likely see the Spaniard serve as an assistant to Hansi Flick.

Having someone of Thiago’s calibre present in the coaching staff could be a huge boost for Barcelona, who have no shortage of young midfield talents in the team.

Thiago can indeed get the best out of players like Marc Casado, Pedri and Gavi while his exposure to the Barcelona culture could help him settle in quickly.