Liverpool may soon add a second Thiago to their “world-class” roster. £46 million star rating

This season at Anfield has been, to put it mildly, exciting. Under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool has moved beyond its problems from the previous campaign and is putting on some impressive shows to hint at a silverware-filled finale.

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Since taking over in Merseyside several years ago, Klopp has won almost every trophy that has been offered. Although missing out on the Champions League last year was a painful blow, the German manager may now complete the trifecta with a Europa League triumph.

Tương lai của Thiago Alcantara tại Liverpool sẽ đi về đâu?

Liverpool, who are now in third place in the Premier League and just two points behind leaders Arsenal, won their Europa League group with one game remaining. Later this month, they will visit West Ham United in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals.

The complete overhaul of the midfield allowed Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and other players to take on center duties, both literally and symbolically, and this helped to enable the comeback.

Despite Endo’s diligence and eagerness, Liverpool still lacks a true No. 6 since he may not have the necessary skill to secure a starting position.

Tương lai của Thiago Alcantara tại Liverpool sẽ đi về đâu?

Therefore, it seems like Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich was the only player targeted for a trade.

Joshua Kimmich’s move to Liverpool ?

Reputable BILD reporter Christian Falk claims that a number of European teams are interested in buying Kimmich from the unbeatable Bundesliga winners, including Liverpool.

Falk asserts that Klopp is aware of the Germany international’s skills and would be delighted to have him join the Liverpool team, where the Reds would benefit from his unique style.

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The 28-year-old pass specialist, who is valued at £46 million by Football Transfers, would be a great addition to Liverpool’s team as they attempt to continue their comeback.

The playing style of Joshua Kimmich

Kimmich, who joined Bayern from Stuttgart in 2015 for an unknown price as a youngster, has been a standout midfield player at the top of the European game for many years nowadays.

Since then, he has made 365 appearances for the all-time great Bayern Munich, scoring 40 goals, providing 100 assists, and taking home every trophy, including the Champions League.

Kimmich is among the top 6% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for assists during the previous season, the top 7% for actions that create shots, the top 2% for passes attempted, and the top 4% for progressive passes per ninety. These figures are from FBref.

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This effectively displays his heavenly talent for distribution; he is always on the ball, influencing plays, locating teammates in trouble, and dishing out direct assists.

Technically flawless, very decisive, and dedicated on the field, Kimmich has even prompted high praise for his skill set from managers such as legendary boss Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho said: “I see him as a top right-back, left-back, centre-back, No.6, No.8, No.10… he has the qualities to be anything!

“I think he looks to me, very intelligent related to football, very intelligent, understands the moments of the games and understands the difference between positions and understands what he has to do here and what he has to do there. I think he’s phenomenal, an absolutely phenomenal player.”

Kimmich has played in 18 games this season in all competitions, totaling six assists. From his preferred defensive midfield position, he has captained the team many times.

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According to Sofascore, this season in the German top division, the £375k-per-week midfield machine has made ten starts, completed 91% of his passes, averaged 2.6 key passes per game, made 1.9 tackles and 6.4 ball recoveries each time out, and did little more than lead and inspire his teammates.

Kimmich, who is currently out of contract at the end of the 2024–2025 season, is regarded by former Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge as “the embodiment of world-class.” A renewal is definitely possible, but outfits are circling like vultures, and he might be persuaded to try his hand elsewhere.

Arguments against Liverpool signing Kimmich

The 82-cap Germany international is already renowned and rightfully regarded as one of the best in his position globally, but while considering whether to make a move, Liverpool would do well to consider the purchase of Thiago Alcantara a few years before.

In 2020, Thiago, then 32 years old, left Bayern Munich for Liverpool for a reported £25 million. He brought with him a plethora of prestigious expertise from his time playing for Barcelona in Spain and Germany, making him one of the most remarkable maestros in Europe.

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He is in the top 5% of midfielders for passes attempted and progressive passes, the top 8% for successful take-ons, the top 11% for tackles, and the top 5% for interceptions per 90 to further highlight his passing prowess.

Unfortunately, injuries have severely limited the £200k-per-week star’s ability to contribute to the game for extended periods of time; so far this season, he has not played a single matchday.

Although Kimmich is more reliable—he has appeared in over 25 Bundesliga games since 2015–16—he will be 30 at the conclusion of the current campaign, and Klopp may wonder whether it makes sense to spend a significant amount of money on an aging player in opposition to the club’s business model.

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Maybe it’s not the smartest idea, with players like Andre on Liverpool’s radar and 30-year-old Endo already signed as a stop-gap in the center.

Younger, more adaptable players who can be developed and molded under Klopp’s tutelage would be a sensible investment for Liverpool; Thiago can even work as a tutor until his contract ends in June.