JAMIE CARRAGHER believes the transfer hype around Thiago Alcantara is “disrespectful” to Liverpool’s current midfielders.
The wantaway Bayern Munich star, 29, is believed to have agreed terms with Jurgen Klopp’s side after winning the Champions League last month.
Jamie Carragher believes the hype surrounding Thiago’s potential Liverpool move is ‘disrespectful’ to current Reds midfieldersCredit: Rex Features
However, Liverpool are yet to meet Bayern’s £27million asking price after Thiago entered the final year of his contract.
And it’s believed Manchester United are also interested despite having signed Donny van de Beek from Ajax for £40m.
Many believe Thiago will make a huge difference to whichever team he joins.
In Liverpool’s case, it’s reckoned the Spain international would bring more creativity and technique to the centre of the pitch.
But Anfield legend Carragher believes the constant links between Thiago and Liverpool has become “disrespectful” to current midfielders such as Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, Fabinho and Naby Keita.
Carragher told Sky Sports: “I think the huge clamour for Thiago is a little bit disrespectful to Liverpool’s current midfield three.
“Yes he would add something different, no doubt. But if he doesn’t come in, it’s not the end of the world, this is still a fantastic midfield for Liverpool.”
Carragher also believes Klopp wants to sell up for FOUR players to fund his £27m move for Thiago.
The former defender added “Liverpool have got three or four players in the squad they are looking to move on.
“It seems like they have to sell before they buy, that was the case with Dejan Lovren. He had to leave before a left-back could come in.
“Thiago would give Liverpool’s midfield something different, no doubt. Liverpool lost players to bring Van Dijk in and the goalkeeper.
“There’s no point buying for the sake of it, but I do feel they need someone to supplement the front three.”
Carragher believes Liverpool are looking to sell up to four players to fund a move for ThiagoCredit: Getty – Pool
Meanwhile, Liverpool and rivals United have been accused of trying to “blackmail” Bayern over a deal for Thiago by Uli Hoeness.
The ex-chief of the Bavarian giants told Sport1: “It is a difficult situation.
“A while ago we agreed on a new four-year contract. Some days later he said: ‘I’m looking for a new challenge.’ Which is totally okay.
“I think he obviously has an agreement with Liverpool or United or both of them. Now both clubs are bluffing and no one has contacted Bayern officially.
“From my point of view, that has no style. They’re trying to blackmail us by waiting until the last week, when they’re going to make a cheap offer.
“In that case Bayern have to ask themselves: do they want to go along with that or do they tell the player that he has to stay?”
Sky Sports host has no idea Jurgen Klopp can hear as he describes him dodging Thiago transfer question ‘wonderfully’
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
