Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has announced that his “phenomenal” teammate will be joining Barcelona during the summer transfer window.

Barcelona is reportedly eyeing Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara, who is set to leave Merseyside on a free transfer this summer. This potential move coincides with significant changes at Liverpool, where Arne Slot is expected to replace Jurgen Klopp as manager.

Klopp’s departure marks the end of an extraordinary nine-year tenure during which he transformed Liverpool into one of Europe’s elite teams. His exit is anticipated to trigger a wave of departures, with several key players expected to follow him out of Anfield. Among these is Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara, whose return to Barcelona is under serious consideration.

Thiago’s move to Liverpool from Bayern Munich in 2020 for just £20 million was initially seen as a major coup. At the time, he was regarded as one of the world’s top midfielders, having enjoyed a highly successful spell in Germany. His technical skills, vision, and experience were expected to significantly bolster Liverpool’s midfield. However, Thiago’s time at Liverpool has been marred by persistent injuries, limiting his impact on the team. This season, the 33-year-old has managed to make just one Premier League appearance, far from the influence he was expected to wield.

Spanish outlet AS reports that Thiago might return to Barcelona, the club where he began his professional career. This potential move is linked with the expected appointment of Hansi Flick as Barcelona’s new head coach, succeeding Xavi Hernandez. Flick, who has a history of working with Thiago during their time at Bayern Munich, is seen as keen to reunite with the midfielder at the Nou Camp.

Liverpool has been proactive in preparing for the future, bolstering their midfield last year with the signings of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Wataru Endo. These acquisitions are part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate the squad and ensure continuity as the team transitions to a new managerial era.

Thiago’s potential return to Barcelona comes as the Catalan club undergoes its own period of transition. With Xavi’s tenure as head coach coming to an end, Barcelona is looking to the future with the expected appointment of Flick. The club sees Thiago as a valuable addition who can bring experience and quality to their midfield. His familiarity with the club’s culture and playing style, combined with his relationship with Flick, makes this move a logical step.

For Liverpool, Thiago’s departure will be a bittersweet moment. While his time at the club has been plagued by injuries, his quality and professionalism have never been in doubt. As Klopp prepares to leave, the club is focused on building a new era under Slot, with a fresh approach and a revitalized squad. Thiago’s exit, along with other expected departures, signifies the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in Liverpool’s storied history.