Liverpool star targeted in 'TRANSFER OF THE YEAR'
Tom Weber
- Updated: 13 Sept 2023 19:11 BST
- 3 min read
After snapping up Nicolas Pepe from Arsenal, Trabzonspor are plotting another huge move before Super Lig Deadline Day, according to Turkish media.
It was something of a - albeit small - coup when the Turkish side managed to get their hands on Arsenal's former record-signing Nicolas Pepe given that the Ivorian had offers from the wealthier Saudi Pro League.
Turkish clubs can still wheel and deal until September 15 and it seems that the Trabzon outfit still have another surprise up their sleeve before the deadline.
READ: Salah bidding war erupts in Saudi Arabia
That's at least according to Turkish outlet Aksam, which claims that Trabzonspor have "pressed the button" to initiate an operation that would see Thiago Alcantara move to Anatolia.
Thiago to Trabzonspor?
"The Spanish football player," the report claims, "who has a one-year contract left with his club, wants to go to a team where he can play and the transfer window in Europe and Arabia is closed. So the options are limited."
This is where Trabzonspor come in. The Super Lig giants have offered Thiago a "signing bonus and annual salary like Pepe" in what the outlet describes as a "surprising development."
This would represent the "transfer of the year" for the Turkish league - but is it realistic? The expectation is that Thiago will depart Liverpool next summer, but an exit now?
READ: Liverpool set sights on 17-year-old star compared to De Ligt
With no ability to bring in a replacement, it is doubtful that the Anfield club would agree to let the Spaniard walk, though they may be tempted by the prospect of getting at least a little bit of money for an injury-prone 32-year-old.
Though having shown glimpses of his exceptional talent, injuries have meant that Thiago has never quite managed to make the Reds' midfield his own since his €22 million arrival in 2020 and he will likely be the next victim of Liverpool's attempt to make their squad younger.
