Thiago Alcantara has bid farewell to Liverpool as he continues his rehabilitation for ongoing injury concerns, with indications suggesting that he may have concluded his tenure with the club.
The Spanish midfielder has grappled with fitness setbacks for significant periods during his stint at Anfield, last featuring in a Premier League starting lineup back in February 2023. Despite making a brief return from a hip injury earlier this season during the defeat against Arsenal, his appearance tally remains at just five minutes for the campaign.
With Thiago’s contract set to expire at the end of the season and no talks of a renewal in sight, speculation has arisen regarding a potential move to the Middle East, where his brother Rafinha currently plays in Qatar.
Since his arrival from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2020, Thiago has made only 98 appearances under manager Jurgen Klopp. Moreover, he has been absent from the international scene, with his last cap for Spain dating back to their Euro 2020 semi-final loss against Italy.
Reports suggest that Liverpool has granted Thiago permission to return to Spain to work with his personal physiotherapist. This move aims to facilitate his long-term recovery and fitness conditioning in preparation for a potential transfer in the upcoming summer transfer window.
In February, Klopp expressed uncertainty about Thiago’s availability for the remainder of the season, citing ongoing medical concerns. “It’s a couple of things, but what he has to do now from a medical point of view, I don’t know if it will mean again if he can play again,” Klopp stated.
Thiago isn’t the only Liverpool player whose future at the club hangs in the balance. Joel Matip, who suffered an ACL injury in December, also sees his contract expiring at the end of the current campaign.
Klopp provided an update on Matip’s progress, stating, “He’s now pain-free, but it all takes time. I don’t think the season is long enough for him.” Klopp had previously expressed hope that the club would offer Matip a new deal, emphasizing the defender’s contributions and deserving support during his recovery process.
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