Retiring Liverpool midfielder spotted at Barcelona amid talk of return

Former Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara joined the list of top players who announce their retirement from professional football after the 2023/24 season.

Alcantara announced his retirement this week, and has been heavily linked with a return to Barcelona in a coaching role. Its now looking likely he will join the Spanish side.

The former Spain midfielder on Wednesday morning was spotted at the club’s facilities, as the squad undergo their medical tests before getting to work with new manager Hansi Flick on Thursday.

Flick spoke with Thiago about joining his staff on Monday, as a link between the players and the coaches, having retired at just 33 due to a hip injury. Despite a report on Tuesday claiming he was not convinced by taking on the role permanently, albeit he was willing to help out at points, he has been seen arriving at Barcelona’s facilities, as reported by Jijantes.

Barcelona struggled to compete with Real Madrid last season and are hoping to turn things around under Hansi Flick this season.

Thiago will be a great addition to Hansi Flick staff. He came through La Masia, and would be well-versed not only in the club’s methods and culture, but also the politics.

He also speaks German, after eight years at Bayern, and spent time with Flick there.