Former Liverpool favourite's next move announced after summer exit

Thiago Alcantara left Liverpool this summer and has now had his next destination confirmed. But it’s only temporary.

Barcelona confirmed on Wednesday that Thiago will return to the club as a coach. It’s something that had been heavily rumoured in recent weeks.

Thiago announced his retirement last month - a shock to many. He barely featured in his final year at Liverpool but few expected him to outright call it a day.

Former Liverpool favourite's next move announced after summer exit2 mins agoby Alex Caple

Liverpool in talks to offload 21-year-old centre back as Arne Slot clearout takes shape32 mins agoby Peter Staunton

Liverpool transfer news today: Alexander-Arnold 'concrete' Madrid links, Simakan situation explained, Reds stunned by Yoro move3 hours agoby Peter Staunton

But that’s what he did at just 33. Thiago is now looking to go into coaching and will take that first step at his original club, Barcelona.

It’s a tailor-made role, too, after his former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick took over as manager. Thiago can operate as a bridge between manager and club - someone who knows both very well and, importantly, has had incredible success with both.

Though, this is just a temporary role. Thiago has only signed on for the summer, so he’ll essentially just be there for Flick’s introduction over pre-season.

Whether it extends to be more than that isn’t clear but this is certainly the next step for Thiago. Let’s see how he does from here.

Thiago rejoins Barcelona

Thiago has worked under some all-time great managers in his career. In fact, there are remarkably few players who can boast the array of managers that he can.

Pep Guardiola, Tito Vilanova, Carlo Ancelotti, Jupp Heynckes, Flick and Jurgen Klopp - it’s an incredible run of coaches to have learned under.

So who knows? Perhaps Thiago can use all of his experience to become a managerial force now his playing days are done.

Step one will be meshing well with Barcelona this summer and using the experience to develop from there. That could see him get a longer deal with the Catalan side, or perhaps he’ll move in a different direction with a bit more authority.

Either way, we could just see Thiago back at Anfield down the line - in either dugout.

Liverpool Tyler Morton conundrum revealed as Sevilla, RB Leipzig and Frankfurt circle3 hours agoby Sam McGuire

From Alexander-Arnold and Alisson to Gakpo and Mac Allister: Ranking Liverpool's Copa America and Euro 2024 stars17 hours agoby Henry Jackson

Does a Liverpool move for Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi make sense?2 days agoby Sam McGuire