After various Premier League clubs were linked with Thiago prior to his big move to Bayern Munich, it seems Englands richest sides have now begun making kissy faces the way of another member of the Alcantra clan.
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Breaking into the first team after years on the sideline, Barcelona’s Spaniard Rafinha Alcantra is said to be searching for a way out of the Nou Camp after doubts over his future have come to pass.
Whilst it’s unclear as to how the publication have managed to retrieve such information, Mundo Deportivo (via the IBTimes) seem convinced that the Spanish attacker has confided in superstars Leo Messi and Luis Suarez that he may seek first team football elsewhere, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Juventus all monitoring the situation intently.
Joining FC Barcelona’s youth ranks at the age of 13, Rafinha made his 1st team debut during Luis Enrique’s first match with the Catalans. After a handful of seasons waiting patiently behind Barca’s litany of top-class talent, he’s forced his way into the first team this term, notching up 6 goals and 2 assists in 13 starts.
A fleet-footed wide man who loves to dribble, Rafinho has had great joy using his great technical ability in the middle of the park, with the multi Champions League winners benefitting from the players sounds defensive capabilities – talents that would certainly suit the likes of Liverpool and their intense playing style.
Here’s how he sizes up against a Red’s player likely to rival his position.
(courtesy of WhoScored)
Whilst a £64.8m release clause will make the likes of Jurgen Klopp’s eyes wince, it’s understood Liverpool, and co will have plenty of leverage for a much lower deal considering he sits behind the likes of Iniesta, Busquets, Gomes and Busquets in the pecking order.
Fun fact: Rafinha and Thiago Alcantra are the sons of 1994 Brazilian World Cup winner Mazinho – quite the footballing DNA.