Shock Return: Ex-Liverpool Star Secretly Joins Former Club’s Backroom Staff – What’s Behind the Move?

You know, Thiago Alcantara’s stint at Liverpool felt more like a fleeting cameo than a full-blown feature film. The Spanish maestro, with his silky touches and intricate playmaking, rarely got the spotlight he deserved at Anfield — making just 98 appearances and netting three goals over four years. His final season? Practically a ghost, with a solitary outing before finding himself club-less. But here’s the kicker: the Brazil-born talent isn’t hanging up his boots just yet. Word on the street—courtesy of Fabrizio Romano—is that Thiago is gearing up for a fresh chapter, stepping into a backroom role at a familiar haunt. A homecoming of sorts, blending his rich playing pedigree with off-the-pitch wizardry. Curious to know more about this unexpected twist? LEARN MORE

Liverpool didn’t see the best of Spain international Thiago during his time at Anfield, nor did they see him regularly enough.

The 34-year-old played 98 times, scoring on three occasions during a four-year spell on Merseyside but made just one appearance in his final year with the club and has been without a team since.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Brazil-born midfielder is close to joining a former club in a new, backroom staff capacity.

Thiago could be involved with the Catalan club as early as next week, as per the transfers correspondent.

The Spaniard came through Barcelona’s academy, graduating into the first-team setup before joining Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich the same year the ex-Barça coach made the move to Bavaria.

At the Allianz Arena, Thiago played his best football, winning title after title, seven in all, before a 2020 switch to Liverpool.

In England, he won an FA Cup, a League Cup and the Community Shield and was part of the Reds side which finished Champions League runners-up to Real Madrid in 2022.

Thiago will join Hansi Flick‘s backroom team, no doubt offering his expertise of playing at the highest level, under some of the world’s best coaches, including Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp.

He is expected to be named among the travelling staff for Barcelona’s upcoming visit to St. James’ Park later this month.

Los Cules face Newcastle United in the Champions League on Thursday, September 18.

Liverpool‘s Champions League calendar this season begins with a home fixture against Atletico Madrid.