Yahoo Sports Thiago close to Barcelona return as part of Hansi Flick’s staff on a short-term deal
Ever since rumours of his retirement started doing the rounds, Thiago Alcantara was linked with a move back to Barcelona as part of new manager Hansi Flick’s coaching staff.
The speculations only grew stronger after the former La Masia graduate officially announced his retirement. Since then, he has visited the Barça training facilities multiple times this week to negotiate with Flick and the club officials.
On Wednesday, reports emerged claiming that the 33-year-old former midfielder had given his ‘OK’ to return to Barcelona in a coaching capacity.
Thiago is indeed close to a return
Now, Mundo Deportivo corroborates that story stating that Thiago Alcantara is indeed very close to returning to Barcelona, 11 years after leaving the club, as part of Hansi Flick’s staff.
Discussions are underway between Barça and the former midfielder. Both parties are keen for him to liaise with Flick, whom Thiago knows well from his time at Bayern Munich.
As per the report, Thiago is negotiating the length of time that he will serve in this role at Barcelona. In principle, the club sees it as a temporary thing and it is something that the Spaniard has to finish assessing with the family.
The intention is that the ex-Blaugrana star spends the first six months of Flick’s tenure helping him with the language and acting as a bridge with his players, as of his three assistants, only Heiko Westermann speaks Spanish.
Although Barcelona do not yet take the agreement for granted, they see it as a very real possibility, while waiting to find the right fit so that both parties feel comfortable when it comes to working together.
If his return is confirmed, Thiago will return to Barcelona 11 years after leaving the club in the summer of 2013 for Bayern Munich.
Thiago made 101 official appearances for Barça, scoring 11 goals and providing 20 assists. He won two La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey, two Spanish Super Cups, one Champions League, one European Super Cup and one Club World Cup with the club.
